With under a month to the start of the Longines Masters competition in New York, the selections for the Riders Masters Cup teams are about to be revealed to the public.
A real match between the world’s two major equestrian powers, the United States and Europe, the Riders Masters Cup promises to be an exceptional battle.Philippe Guerdat, team leader of Riders Europe, reveals today his shortlist for this 4th edition with the hope of winning once again against the Americans, who will be more determined than ever and on their home ground.
Between young talents and leaders of the discipline, Philippe Guerdat unveils a list that will undoubtedly allow him to try for a fourth victory in the Riders Masters Cup with his European riders. A team world champion (Gerco Schröder of the Netherlands), European team champions (Denis Lynch of Ireland, Pius Schwizer of Switzerland), former world leaders (Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, and again Pius Schwizer), riders more than regularly ranked on the international circuit such as Darragh Kenny of Ireland, Emanuele Gaudiano of Italy and Frenchman Olivier Robert, and rising show jumping stars such as Olivier Philippaerts (now too old to be in the U25), Edward Levy and Belgian Pieter Clemens, the European coach now has all the cards in his hands to build a strong and undefeatable team for Riders Europe.
«I’m trying to mix the young generation with the European ‘pillars’, but that will depend above all on the horses they bring to the Longines Masters of New York. I try not to put two riders of the same nationality in the European team to keep a real diversity, and that’s going to be the basis of my final selection, as much as possible. I still have to think a little bit harder before presenting my final list in order to find the team with the best chance of winning a fourth victory in this Riders Masters Cup. If we take part in this event, it is for victory! I have no doubt that the American team will be more combative than ever, in front of their own fans and trying to reverse the trend after our three victories,» says Philippe Guerdat.
While the Swiss has unveiled his game plan for this fourth stage of the Riders Masters Cup, Robert Ridland is keeping the suspense going for a few more days. The coach of the gold medal winning team at the last World Equestrian Games will soon share the shortlist of his Riders USA and present a team that will be keen to take over this coveted Riders Masters Cup, especially in front of their home audience.
The team leaders will unveil their final selection of five riders (one of whom must be under twenty-five)on April 25th in New York. Team leaders and riders will meet the public on Saturday, April 27th at 8:15 pm at the NYBC Live for a duel that promises to be historic!
