CSIO Barcelona made a strong return in its 111th edition. With its four-day format, the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona unveiled its brand new grandstand, becoming the epicenter of the equestrian world. The oldest international sports event in Spain concluded successfully after days filled with maximum excitement and entertainment.
This year, seven of the top-ten international riders and horsewomen (Sweden's Henrik von Eckermann (1), France's Julien Epaillard (2), Switzerland's Steve Guerdat (3), his compatriot Martin Fuchs (5), the North American Mclain Ward (6), Harrie Smolders from the Netherlands (7), and the French rider Simon Delestre (9)) participated in the competition, creating one of the best lineups in its history.
From September 28 to October 1, the 40,000-plus visitors to CSIO Barcelona enjoyed the best shows, gastronomy, lifestyle, and, above all, a lot of sports. A luxury for all the senses in an edition where all tickets were sold out several days in advance, resulting in full grandstands.
Furthermore, the FEI (International Equestrian Federation), which a few months ago announced its decision to keep Barcelona as the host of the most important team jumping competition on the international equestrian calendar until 2027, expressed immense satisfaction with the competition's development.
Germany, winner of the Nations Cup Final
With the victory of the German team in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final (Jana Wargers (Dorette), Christian Kukuk (Checker 47), Hans-Dieter Dreher (Elysium), and Richard Vogel (United Touch S)), the CSIO Barcelona concluded on a high note. The German team won thanks to the three penalty-free rounds of Christian Kukuk, Hans-Dieter Dreher, and Richard Vogel, securing their second Longines Nations Cup in the Olympic arena of the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona, following their victory in 2016.
The French team took second place, followed by Belgium, Brazil (securing the Olympic spot available for the 2024 Paris Olympics), the United States, Switzerland, Great Britain, and Ireland. Additionally, German Hans-Dieter Dreher, Swiss Martin Fuchs, and Belgian Wilm Vermeir shared the €100,000 prize for completing the final and qualifying rounds without penalties.
Another major winner of this edition of CSIO Barcelona 2023 was the Dutch team, winners of the Longines Challenge Cup, an event that closed the third day of CSIO Barcelona. The night class, held during one of the traditional gala dinners, brought together the seven nations that did not make it to the grand final. The competition was decided in a tiebreaker after the Netherlands and Australia finished with four points each. Dutch rider Willem Greve, with Highway Tn, completed the jump-off without penalties, while Australian Christopher Burton, riding Chedington Hazy Toulana, accumulated four points, paving the way for the Dutch victory. Jur Vrieling (Long John Silver 3 N.O.P.), Kim Emmen (Inflame Go), and Maikel van der Vleuten (Beauville Z N.O.P) completed the winning team, led by team manager Jos Lansink.
In third place was the Mexican team, followed by Argentina, Spain, Italy, and Uzbekistan.
Julien Epaillard won the Ciutat de Barcelona Trophy
Julien Epaillard, riding Donatello d’Auge, emerged as the winner of the Ciutat de Barcelona Trophy, one of the most iconic competitions at CSIO Barcelona. The French rider was the fastest of the nine riders who completed the first round without penalties and advanced to the second round. Behind Epaillard, his compatriot Simon Delestre (Dexter Fontenis Z) finished second, followed by the world number one, Swedish rider Henrik von Eckermann, with Glamour Girl.
Dutch rider Harrie Smolders, with Deesse de Kerglenn, won the Reina – Segura Viudas Trophy, a jump-off event held on Saturday afternoon. Italian Piergiorgio Bruggi (Hantano) finished second, followed by Frenchman Olivier Robert, riding Iglesias D.V.
Throughout the week, riders, horsewomen, owners, and all those connected to the event could enjoy an excellent shuttle service provided by the prestigious automotive brand Porsche.
Joaquín Calvo Memorial Trophy
During the break between the two rounds of the Ciutat de Barcelona Trophy, the Joaquín Calvo Memorial Trophy was awarded. In its fourth edition, the recognition went to FEI Jumping Director Marco Fusté, who sadly passed away last year but whose legacy and passion for equestrian sports will always endure in the equestrian community. The award was received by Mrs. Isabel Gargallo, widow of Marco Fusté, her daughter Ainhoa, and his father Francisco Fusté, presented by Mrs. Magda Ferrer-Dalmau, widow of Joaquín Calvo.
One of the added attractions of the event were tribute concerts to ABBA and The Beatles (The Flaming Shakers) held on Friday and Saturday evenings in the Olympic arena after the sporting competition.
Excitement at PoloPark
For the seventh consecutive year, attendees visiting the RCPB facilities could enjoy the renovated PoloPark, established as one of the great experiential festivals with its over 20,000 m2. The Foodie Fest, a vast market, the Brand Village, the Kids Park for the little ones with its traditional Pony Park by Calvet, small-format shows featuring Inti Schenkel, an expert in natural horsemanship, the vaulting team, the current Spanish Champions, and a dressage exhibition by the Urban Guard, along with various concerts, delighted all visitors throughout the four days. Despite authentic summer-like temperatures during the event, a total of 35,000 croquettes and over 18,000 bottles of water were consumed.
The social aspect of CSIO Barcelona
During CSIO Barcelona, we saw well-known faces such as Jessica Springsteen, a rider on the United States team, the young Sira Martínez, a regular on the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona's tracks, and actors Javier Rey and Julia Creus, guests of Longines, also enjoyed the competition.
RESULTS
RCPB Trophy: Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) with Vestmalle des Cotis
First Qualification Longines FEI Jumping Nation CupTM Final: Great Britain.
La Vanguardia Trophy: Stephan de Freitas (BRA) with Chevaux Hex Lup Imperio Egipcio.
Royal Bliss Trophy: Pedro Mateos Belnández (ESP) with Naroby van de Fruitkorf.
Ciutat de Barcelona Trophy: Julien Epaillard (FRA), with Donatello D’Auge.
Copa de SM La Reina – Segura Viudas Trophy: Harrie Smolders (NED), with Deesse de Kerglenn
Negrita Trophy: Sacongo Reverter (ESP) with Beetle Juice.
CaixaBank Trophy: Pedro Mateos Belnández (ESP) with Naroby van de Fruitkorf.
Longines Challenge Cup: The Netherlands (Willem Greve