Aachen, Germany – July 19, 2017 – 2017 is an historical year in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. For the first time ever, a Nations’ Cup was staged for under 25-year-old dressage riders in this year’s CHIO in Aachen, Germany.
“Aachen always has a special charm for us,” revealed Alex van Silfhout, the Chef d’Equipe of the talented young Dutch dressage riders. The father of the Olympic rider, Diederik van Silfhout, didn’t just mean the exceptional atmosphere at the Soers, but also the sport itself.
“We are never good in Aachen!” he continued. “The Germans are too strong.”
However, today Team NED managed to leave the German squad trailing behind them.
With a total score of 145.605, Maxime van der Vlist with Bailey (72.289 percent), Denise Nekeman with Boston STH (68.395 percent) as well as Anne Meulendijks with MDH Avanti (73.316 percent) went down in history as the first U25 Nations’ Cup winners in the Deutsche Bank Stadium. “These three riders are the best that Holland has to offer in this age group”, emphasized van Silfhout and added with a laugh, “This year we have no reason to moan!”
The eternal rivals from Germany finished with a total score of 140.868. Things didn’t runs smoothly for the first rider, Lisa-Maria Klössinger with FBW Daktari, actually one of the strongest German pairs.
“The dressage arena is not the same as usual,” stated Klössinger, “in terms of its size alone. It intimidated Daktari somewhat.”
This was also a reason why the two had both highs and lows, as the U25 national coach, Sebastian Heinze, put it. Nevertheless, she was still awarded a score of 69.789 percent.
On the other hand, things went well for Bianca Nowag and Fair Play BB and they earned a 71.079 percent.
“I had a great feeling. In the case of Fair Play the more impressive the environment is, the better she performs,” the 22-year-old reported. “One is so proud to be able to compete here.”
The third member of the team was Juliette Piotrowski with Sir Diamond. The pair were the only ones on the team who had already competed at the Soers. They took part in the U25 Tour last year, albeit without the Nations’ Cup classification. Finishing with a score of 69.789 percent, they didn’t quite live up to their potential today.
Third place with a total score of 140.474 went to the strong team of Swedish riders Lina Jönsson with Quentin (69.316 percent). Mathilde Hannell with Deela Mae (66.605 percent) and Josefin Gyllenswärd with Don Angelo (71.158 percent).
At the conclusion of the first U25 Nations’ Cup in Aachen, the German national coach, Sebastian Heinze, was positive in spite of the defeat by their Dutch rivals.
“For the riders it is the ideal opportunity to learn how to cope with the pressure,” Heinze said. “Riding for the team is something completely different than when one is just competing for oneself. All three are used to riding at championships, but rubbing shoulders with the stars in Aachen is a completely different game.”
1. Netherlands
CNR Rider Horse Score
309 Maxime VAN Der VLIST Bailey 72.289
312 Denise Nekeman Boston STH 69.395
364 Anne Meulendijks MDH Avanti 73.316
2. Germany
CNR Rider Horse Score
346 Lisa-Maria Klossinger FBW Daktari 69.789
344 Bianca Nowag Fair Play RB 71.079
377 Juliette Gyllensward Don Angelo 71.158
3. Sweden
CNR Rider Horse Score
368 Lina Jonsson Quentin 69.316
328 Mathilde Hannell Deela Mae 66.605
337 Josefin Gyllensward Don Angelo 71.158
4. Austria
CNR Rider Horse Score
383 Karoline Valenta Valenta’s Diego 68.184
334 Diana Porsche Di Sandro OLD 67.526
5. Denmark
CNR Rider Horse Score
351 Marlene Storkborg Fritz 69.974
327 Sille Engermann Darius 65.342