In a ultimate final it are the French that come around to claim the gold while favorites like the Netherlands and Germany drop down the leaderboard. USA takes the silver with three riders after Beezie Madden drops out from the race. And it were Germany and Canada that had to jump-off for the bronze. During the third round at the Olympics the bar was once more raised as the course for today was really technical and though. Although it were Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and the USA that started in pole position on zero penalties today is was the French team that was on one penalty that rose to the occasion. When Philippe Rozier, Kevin Staut and Roger Yves Bost all stayed from the wood Penelope Leprevost did not even have to ride to take home the gold. The USA who was on zero penalties going in to today's competition had only three riders left ,as Beezie Madden decided to not ride today, made a good start when Kent Farrington and Voyeur only had one penalty for time. But an expensive mistake from Lucy Davis and Barron made them drop down the leader board. Luckily it was McLain Ward who finished the job on Azur having the Americans finishing in second with just 5 penalties. Germany and Canada were in for a tight race and ended on eight penalties after four riders. Thus the two nations had to settle who was worthy for a bronze medal by riding a jump-off with all their riders. When Canada's Yann Candele came off course with one pole down the mission for the German team was straight forward, keep it clear. And that is exactly what the team from Otto Becker did, having Ludger Beerbaum who saved the day before the jump-off with a clear not even needing to take Casello out for a second time. Top contenders for a gold medal, the Netherlands, had a very disappointing week already with Jur Vrieling's stallion Zirocco Blue did not want to jump. Continuing with three riders luck however was not on their side either. Anchorman Jeroen Dubbeldam and Zenith made an early mistake on course, but the skilled rider kept its cool and did not collect any more penalties. Things were looking more bright again when Maikel van der Vleuten and Verdi smoothly jumped around the course with only one penalty point for time. But today bad luck hit Harrie Smolders and the amazing jumping Emerald. The stallion hit the first pole of the triple, that was a mere 80cm high, and collected two more on his way to the finish.
