In Göteborg, Sweden, the Skandinavium, which normally serves as an ice rink, hosted the highlight of the weekend: the World Cup. As usual, the stands were packed and the Swedish public was behind the Swedish riders and all the other riders. Much to the delight of that audience, they saw seven combinations, including three Swedes, clear the tough course without any faults in the first round. Not only the tough course, but also the time allowed proved to be a problem for many combinations.
Two of the top favourites, Henrick von Eckermann and Peder Fredricson, were also in the jump-off so a Swedish victory seemed almost written in the stars. However, that was beyond Dutchman Lars Kersten. He rode perhaps the jump-off of his life with his 12-year-old Hallilea (by VDL Zirocco Blue). The duo was able to record a clear round in 35.44 seconds. At that time, world number one Von Eckermann had yet to compete so Kersten had to wait a bit fearfully.
Von Eckermann did what he always does: go full for the win. His King Edward (by Edward) went through the course like a rocket but crossed the line after 35.72 seconds, just not enough to knock Kersten off the throne. Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S (by Cardent) also went clear. Their time of 35.99 seconds would earn them third place.
The top five was completed by Olivier Robbert (Iglesias DV) and Amanda Landeblad (For Killy).
Two of the top favourites, Henrick von Eckermann and Peder Fredricson, were also in the jump-off so a Swedish victory seemed almost written in the stars. However, that was beyond Dutchman Lars Kersten. He rode perhaps the jump-off of his life with his 12-year-old Hallilea (by VDL Zirocco Blue). The duo was able to record a clear round in 35.44 seconds. At that time, world number one Von Eckermann had yet to compete so Kersten had to wait a bit fearfully.
Von Eckermann did what he always does: go full for the win. His King Edward (by Edward) went through the course like a rocket but crossed the line after 35.72 seconds, just not enough to knock Kersten off the throne. Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S (by Cardent) also went clear. Their time of 35.99 seconds would earn them third place.
The top five was completed by Olivier Robbert (Iglesias DV) and Amanda Landeblad (For Killy).