"After the first two horse-rider combinations finished their jump-off withouth any mistakes and within the time allowed, I started to get a little bit stressed. That I hadn't expect, as the course was fairly difficult to ride." states Van der Vleuten. "The time was fast and the corners and turns were not open for a lot of creativity, so I had to find a certain way to get that victory."
"After I saw Tim Hendrix and his fast ride Cedrick, set a strong time I made the conclusion I had to put everything in risk. On the one vertical to the exit I got a perfect distance. Sapphire could immediately turn to the right on which I could win over half a second on Hendrix's time." explains a smiling Van der Vleuten.
Although he did not admit it at first Tim Hendrix eventually was satisfied with his second place. "Maikel Van der Vleuten is a perfect rider, there is no shame in losing from such a great rider and horse."