The Young Riders Nations Cup Final in Lier concluded with a thrilling battle between the world’s most promising young riders. Over a technical 1.45m course, precision and consistency proved decisive. In the end, Team USA emerged as the standout performers, delivering a flawless performance that secured them the gold medal. Belgium fought hard to claim second place, while Switzerland completed the podium with a strong showing.
Team USA was in a class of its own, finishing on a perfect score of 0 penalties with a combined time of 217.48 seconds. Skylar Wireman on Barclino B (73.34s), Olivia Sweetnam with Epic (71.17s), and Alexa Elle Lignelli on Xo Zadora (72.97s) all produced double-clear rounds, leaving no room for rivals to close the gap. Carlee McCutcheon and Aralyn Blue withdrew, but the three clear rounds were more than enough to secure the title.
Belgium followed in second place, completing the competition with just 1 penalty and a total time of 218.04 seconds. Bart Jay Junior Vandecasteele aboard Vamos de La Pomme d’Or Z (71.83s) and Vic de Plecker with Ilypsho (71.84s) both delivered double clears. Evelyne Putters and Oberon VDH added just one time penalty (74.37s), while Leon Brutsaert on Corleone Tour Vidal had a more challenging round, finishing on 5 faults. Despite this, their consistency ensured Belgium a well-deserved silver medal.
Switzerland clinched third with 4 penalties and a total of 216.09 seconds. The highlight came from Lou Puch on Leave The Light On (70.63s) and Celestina Rhyner with Boss Quality (72.72s), both jumping clear. Géraldine Straumann and Qosito van de Koekoek added 4 faults, while Thierri Wagner on DSP Cookie HH picked up 9, leaving the team on the bronze-medal step of the podium.
Italy finished fourth on 4 penalties and 219.95 seconds, while Sweden rounded out the top five with 8 penalties and 211.62 seconds.
