PRESS RELEASE & PHOTO : Atlantic Tour Press This afternoon, the Brazilian rider Stephen de Freitas Barcha, and his mare Aliana, won the first International Grand Prix of the Vilamoura Atlantic Tour 2016, by ending first in the jump-off played by 11 of the 34 riders initially in competition. Member of the almost mythical team of Brazilian tetra-champion Nelson Pessoa, this rider completed a flawless course in 36.80 seconds, smashing all the first 10 riders in competition. "The fact that I was the last of the jump-off allowed for a clear view of what was going on and what was necessary to be done," stated the 26 year old rider, at the end of this competition counting towards the FEI Longines Ranking. The second place was for the German Andreas Benner, riding Trebox Acorada, with 37.29 seconds, followed by his compatriot Marc Bettinger, riding Barino, with 37.86 seconds. The only Portuguese rider in the jump-off, Luís Sabino, with Filou Império Egípcio, was placed in the fourth place as he took 37.96 to complete the course, drew by the Italian designer Elio Travagliati. This disputed first Grand Prix of the Vilamoura Atlantic Tour 2016 with a prize money of 25 thousand euros - six thousand for the winner - wraps up an intense week of the show, with nearly three dozen competitions played between two arenas. After a short break this Monday, the riders will return to the arena of the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre next Tuesday for the second week of the show, which is expected to be at least as emotive as the one today. With 1000 horses and 300 riders of 27 countries, the Vilamoura Atlantic Tour 2016 is the longest show jumping show taking place in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The international equestrian show Vilamoura Atlantic Tour 2016 is sponsored by Turismo de Portugal - Algarve, Câmara Municipal de Loulé, Caixa de Crédito Agrícola, Vilamoura World, Microprocessor (digital systems) and Pine Cliffs. The Atlantic Tour takes place at the Centro Equestre de Vilamoura, a reference facility part of Vilamoura World Masterplan, under the theme Vilamoura Active. Among other things, the current development plan of the resort includes an investment in infrastructures, activities and events in order to strengthen Vilamoura as a reference destination in Europe.
