CCI3*-S, PRINTEMPS DES SPORTS ÉQUESTRES: NICOLAS TOUZAINT, FROM THE START TO THE FINISH

schedule

25/04/2024

© PSV. J.Morel – Nicolas Touzaint (FRA) & Fibonacci de Lessac*HDC

Having already taken the lead in the rankings after the dressage and cross-country tests, France’s Nicolas Touzaint won the first the CCI 3-S competition of the Printemps des Sports Equestres at the Grand Parquet de Fontainebleau. Riding his nine-year-old Fibonacci de LessacHDC, the 2004 Olympic team champion and Tokyo Olympic team bronze medallist produced a perfect performance in the show jumping test, leaving his rivals with no chance. And particularly Thomas Carlile, who managed to complete a clear round in the show jumping with Darmagnac de Béliard, thereby retaining his second place in the rankings. Third place also went to Nicolas Touzaint, this time riding Gauguin du Busson, with another a clear round.

What they said

Nicolas Touzaint (FRA), 1st with Fibonacci de LessacHDC, and 3rd with Gauguin du Busson

“Mission accomplished! Fibonacci and Gauguin are two horses that I really believe in. They are building towards the future. I thought it would be interesting to come to the Printemps des Sports Équestres and this amazing venue to let the horses gain experience in an arena that really prepares them for the future, taking part in events with flags, grandstands and screens in the corners.

This event really puts you in the environment of a major competition. I hope we’ll have the opportunity to come back in the coming years to benefit from this level of organisation. Sylvie Robert (President of GL events Equestrian Sport, the organiser of the Printemps des Sports Équestres, [editor’s note]) told me that she is seriously working on it. I can really see the future of our discipline in events like this. They cover all the different riding disciplines, so we can work properly and, in particular, welcome our sponsors and the owners of our horses in a great environment, with excellent facilities, so that they can really enjoy the competition and see the interest in it.”

Thomas Carlile (FRA), 2nd with Darmagnac de Béliard

“I really loved this competition. Right from the start (the first event only hosted show-jumping classes [editor’s note]), I’ve heard nothing but praise about the event. And I have to admit I felt like I was in Aix-la-Chapelle! The Grand Parquet venue has a real atmosphere and history, which adds to the whole spirit of the event and makes you want to be part of it.

The level is of the highest standard. Eventing really needs these kinds of multi-disciplinary events. The potential is enormous. I love the idea of an event that brings together elite riders and I think that the organisation team already has a lot of ideas for the future. It was a real pleasure to be part of this event.”

Rankings for the CCI 3*-S of the Printemps des Sports Équestres 2024 at the end of the show jumping round