Piergiorgio Bucci Triumphs at the Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix Ciudad de Madrid

Madrid, December 2, 2024 – Italian rider Piergiorgio Bucci delivered an extraordinary performance yesterday to claim victory at the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup Grand Prix Ciudad de Madrid, held during IFEMA Madrid Horse Week. Riding the exceptional Hantano, Bucci completed the jump-off in an unbeatable time of 40.77 seconds, securing the most coveted win of the weekend.

Joining Bucci on the podium were Irish rider Michael Pender aboard HHS Los Angeles, finishing second with a time of 41.42 seconds, and Dutch rider Maikel van der Vleuten, riding Beauville Z, who claimed third place with 41.48 seconds.

Out of the 13 riders who qualified for the jump-off, only five completed the course fault-free. Among them was Germany’s Marcus Ehning, who set the initial leading time with Coolio 42 but was soon overtaken by faster competitors.

Piergiorgio Bucci maintained his lead even against the final rider, Michael Pender, who came close but could not surpass the Italian’s impressive time.

The best Spanish result came from Mariano Martínez Bastida, the only Spanish rider to make it to the jump-off. However, a knocked-down rail with Belano vd Wijnhoeve left him in eighth place with 4 faults.

The award ceremony featured Almudena Maillo, Delegate for Tourism of Madrid City Council, who presented the trophy to Piergiorgio Bucci, while Elena Orozco, Brand Manager of Longines Spain, awarded the winner a sophisticated Longines watch.

This Grand Prix marked the thrilling conclusion of an action-packed day at IFEMA Madrid Horse Week, where the world’s top riders battled for glory.

For the full event results, click here.
Check the overall Longines FEI World Cup Western European League standings here.

photos Valentina Sozzi (c) | Source Press Release IFEMA Madrid Horse Show

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