At the CSI5* event in Basel, Switzerland, the Italian riders once again showed off how fast riding is done. More than 55 competitors entered the St. Jakobshalle for the second international class of the day, but in the end two Italian riders stood upfront the podium. Entering the arena as third competitor, Luca Maria Moneta aboard his Selle Francais - gelding Neptune Brecourt (v. Cumano) set the level high by finishing clear in 54:60 seconds. Only his comrade Emanuele Gaudioano managed some 20 horses later to beat his time. Riding the only 8-years-old Carotta (by Chaccomo) Gaudiano flew through the finish line in no less than 52:67 seconds. With this incredible time he truly deserved the victory, and collected his first points towards the most successful rider of the competition. Steve Guerdat, being supported by his homecrowd, tacked up the KWPN bred Dioleen (by Rhodium) and completed the podium with a clear round in 55:06 seconds. The top 5 was completed by Belgian Pieter Devos aboard the 10-years-old BWP - gelding Haloubet Hitchcock (by Casall) in 55:36 seconds and Pius Schwizer who crossed the finish line with his mount Balou Rubin R (by Balou du Rouet) exactly one second later.
