Fabulous French victory at last leg in Rotterdam
The French team of Simon Delestre (I Amelusina R 51), Kevin Staut (Scuderia 1918 Viking d’La Rousseries), Julien Epaillard (Donatello d’Auge) and Olivier Perreau (GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly) produced flawless performances to win the last leg of the Longines League of Nations™ 2024 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands this evening.
In a super-tight contest that saw big changes to the League table, they produced seven wonderful clear rounds for victory while Sweden finished second ahead of Great Britain in third when both completed with just four faults on the board but were separated by combined times.
Belgium picked up just five faults for fourth place, Brazil lined up in fifth (8 faults), the hosts from The Netherlands finished sixth (9 faults) and Switzerland finished seventh (12 faults). Team Ireland made it through to the second round but were eliminated when only two of their three combinations completed the track.
In a surprise turn of events, the crack teams from Germany and USA failed to make the cut into the second round.
Only the best eight of the 10 nations competing in the series can qualify for the inaugural Longines League of Nations™ 2024 Final. And despite a great effort today the British and Belgians will not join the remaining countries at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain from 3 to 6 October.