But the competition is not sleeping: the Prague Lions team crept up, won the stage and now ranks fourth.  Valkenswaard United came  – consistent as it has been throughout the season – in second place with two faults. The Scandinavian Vikings came third with two faults and a slower time.

Ahead of the only stage in Germany, which will bring the international show jumping elite to Riesenbeck in three weeks' time, Team Riesenbeck International wanted to improve its position in the middle of the field. This plan was successful. Team boss Ludger Beerbaum firmly believes that his riders can still make up places at the end of the season: “The potential of the riders and horses is definitely there!”  Last year, Riesenbeck International stood at the top of the podium in Valkenswaard.

As in stage nine in London, Maximilian Weishaupt with Zuccero HV and Christian Kukuk with Chageorge entered the arena together in round one. On the large grass arena, Maximilian Weishaupt started with a brilliant clear round, and Christian Kukuk followed suit – until the last jump, when the bar fell. It was an annoying mistake that pushed the Riesenbeck team back from a desirable starting position before the final round.

Maximilian Weishaupt and Christian Kukuk entered the decisive round without changing horses. The large grass arena – as will soon be the case at the home tournament – did not irritate the horses, nor did the large screens or the music. Sixteen obstacles, including a triple combination, long gallop sections, 1.60-meter jumps, and poles lying slightly in the supports; these challenges were set for all pairs by course designer Ulliano Vezzani.

Unfortunately, neither of the Riesenbeck International riders managed another clear round. Maximilian Weishaupt had a fault on a steep jump shortly before the end, while Christian Kukuk had a fault on a high oxer. With a total of 12 penalty points, they finished in ninth place.