In Oslo, the first CSI5* World Cup of the season has just been held. The riders were presented with a tough basic course and it was therefore a while before the first clear round was heard. Alessandra Reich, who has only just joined the senior ranks, surprised by being the first clearer. After her, six other combinations managed to stay clear. A jump-off with seven had to decide the winner.
Alessandra Reich set the tone with Loyd (by Zacharov). The Austrian said before the start that she was 'not that fast by nature and so she would try to get a good result without taking too much risk'. She jumped a clear round in 50.20 seconds, which would have put her in fourth place. Jens Fredricson was second in the ring. He started quickly with Markan Cosmopolit (by Cohiba) and finished in 46.72 seconds, which meant that he considerably improved on Reich's time.
Then it was Olivier Philippaerts's turn. The young Belgian rode the BWP stallion Le Blue Diamond v't Ruytershof (by Plot Blue) fast through the course, but in doing so he also missed one pole. Harry Charles was next in line. He counted on his Romeo (by Contact vd Heffinck) to finish in 46.70 seconds. Faster than Fredricson, but unfortunately the British combination got one jumping fault behind their name.
Pieter Clemens was the second Belgian who could enter this jump-off. A small miscommunication in a sharp bend could not spoil the fun: Hulde G (by Vigo d'Arsouilles) and Clemens led with a time of 46.09 seconds. Christian Kukuk with Checker (by Comme Il Faut 5) seemed to be able to beat Clemens' time, but a jumping fault on the last obstacle prevented him from doing so.
The only rider who could keep Clemens from victory was Kevin Jochems. He immediately went off like a rocket with Turbo Z (by Thunder vd Zuuthoeve) and succeeded in his goal. He finished in 44.77 seconds, which gave him victory in this first World Cup round!