Jumping Amsterdam has just reached its climax after a thrilling 12-rider jump-off. The World Cup competition was claimed by Julien Epaillard and his wife’s home-bred Donatello D’Auge (Jarnac). Kim Emmen secured the best result for the Netherlands. "My tactic? Was to start fast and after go quicker," Julien Epaillard reacted after his win.
After twelve jump-off rounds, it was ultimately Julien Epaillard who proved the fastest. "The plan is now to have one week off, then head towards Bordeaux. For Donatello after will be a little break and then focus on the outdoor season," Epaillard says.
Aboard Donatello d'Auge (Jarnac), he cleared the course in 39.87 seconds. Switzerland’s Alain Jufer followed in second place with Dante MM (Diarado), also jumping double clear in 41.58 seconds. Belgium then secured a strong podium finish thanks to Niels Bruynseels, who steered Delux van T&L (Toulon) to third place with a clear jump-off in 42.71 seconds, convincingly putting the Belgian camp on the map in this World Cup qualifier.
"It was a bit unexpected," Niels Bruynseels said after his third place. "We didn't expect he would ever come back on this level after 1,5 years. But he feels so good since a couple of weeks. In Mechelen I made a rider mistake, but today we were back as a pair."
Finishing just off the podium was Patrick Stühlmeyer with Baloutaire PS, who remained clear in 42.91 seconds, while fifth place went to Pénélope Leprevost with Ehning Flamingo (Cardento), also jumping double clear in 48.21 seconds.
Best Dutch was Kim Emmen! "I was happy and disappointed at the same time," Kim Emmen reacts. "Imagine is in super chape, I just listened a bit to much to everybody around. But as said, I'm happy... Imagine feels great!"
