Simone Blum and DSP Alice claim the Grand Prix Longines of La Baule

Only eight pairs out of the forty five on the start list of the Grand Prix Longines of the City of La Baule managed to clear the course designed by Frédéric Cottier within the time allowed : Eduardo Menezes (BRA)/H5 Quintol, Olivier Robert (FRA)/Vangog du Mas Grenier, Doron Kuipers (NED)/Charley, Amy Inglis (GBR)/Wishes, Grégory Wathelet (BEL)/Iron Man Van de Padernborre, Steve Guerdat (SUI)/Albfuehren’s Bianca, Simone Blum (GER)/DSP Alice and Darragh Kenny (IRL)/Important de Muze. These eight riders confronted in the jump-off, this difficult exercise requiring speed and precision.

With two rails down, Eduardo Menezes and H5 Quintol had to give up with their dream of victory. Olivier Robert and Vangog du Mas Grenier had one rail down, like Doron Kuipers and Charley, as well as Gregory Wathelet and Iron Man Van de Padenborre. For them, the dream of writing their name on the record of the Grand Prix Longines of the City of La Baule was over.

Amy Inglis was the first to sign a double clear round with Wishes in 48,84 seconds (for a time allowed of 50 seconds). But the world n°1 Steve Guerdat, associated to his faithful Albfuehren’s Bianca managed to clear as well, and be faster (43,82 seconds). Darragh Kenny with Important de Muze and Simone Blum with DSP Alice were the last two to go. Darragh Kenny et Important de Muze et Simone Blum et DSP Alice. The first pair clears in 43,90 seconds, the second one, current world champion, clears the course as well in a faster time of 43,33 seconds.

Simone Blum (GER) and DSP Alice clinches victory in the Grand Prix Longines of the City of La Baule, in front of Steve Guerdat (SWI) and Albfuehren’s Bianca. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Important de Muze finish 3rd. Best French, Olivier Robert and Vangog du Mas Grenier place 6th.

For the record, the last feminine victory in the Grand Prix Longines of the City of La Baule dates back to 2002 with Angélique Hoorn (NED) and Hascal.

Results HERE