The CEI2* Endurance event organized as part of the preparatory events for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy, took place today, Friday, 16th August 2013 in the Manche.
58 competitors and their horses started the race at 6:30 in Sartilly for a 129 km journey in four loops from 22 to 38 km.
The race was won by HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (UAE)in 6h14mn34secs.
This event allowed the organizers to test the different elements related to sports competition including parts of the route of the race that will be used in 2014. The configuration of the site and the resources used are not comparable to what will be put in place for the official 2014 Endurance event scheduled for Thursday, 28th August.
Today’s event also provided an opportunity to test 200 volunteers of the 680 volunteers that are working alongside teams of the Organizing Committee for the 2013 test events.
“Competitors have told us they appreciated the wide variety of challenges between hills, forests and beaches which strengthens us in our choices. We also received very good feedback on the organization from some of the major federations. We still have a year to refine all the details, but the main lines are drawn. Local residents who were out on the course showed great enthusiasm for the sport and we know that there will be even more excitement in 2014 “.
Laurent Cellier – Director of Sports Organizing Committee Normandie 2014
The Organizing Committee particularly wishes to thank all of those who contributed to the success of this event and residents for their understanding.