At Jumping Mechelen the CSI5* riders just came into action for a first time today. Later today the Sport Vlaanderen Grand Prix is still on the programme but in anticipation of that a 1m45 class was already jumped directly against the clock; Not only was there eternal hold to earn, riders could also earn precious points for the Longines Ranking.
The adage 'the last will be the first' did not apply in this case. Indeed, the winner became the second rider to compete in this class: Rodrigo Giestreira Almeida. Riding Pegasus Cekanane (by Kannan), he immediately set a dazzling time that would last until the end: 57.01 seconds. No other combination even managed to match the Portuguese's time.
Thibeau Spits came closest as the best Belgian. The young Belgian, quasi time trial rider in Mechelen, rode the 10-year-old Ibestra VB (by Quality Time TN) clear to the finish in 60.57 seconds. This earned him the silver medal. Jeroen Appelen and Vivoulette HD (by Vivant) were allowed to sit on the third podium step. They left the wood untouched and clocked off in 60.86 seconds.
Kendra Claricia Brinkop and George z (by Kannan) took home fourth place. They recorded a clear round in 61.22 seconds. For Jules van Hoydonck, who made his CSI5* debut in Mechelen, there was another brilliant performance. He rode Oryzon van het Schaeck (by Zirocco Blue) to fifth place by jumping a clear round in 62.50 seconds.
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