Bronze medal for Team Belgium at the FEI Jumping European Championships 2021 in Riesenbeck

A flawless final day saw Team Belgium bring home a Bronze medal, however it was Team Switzerland who ultimately won the Jumping gold medal at the Longines FEI European Championships at Riesenbeck, Germany on Friday after a battle down to the last two riders for the medals.

The Swiss riders finished on a total of 9.47 penalty points, thanks to strong performances across three days of intense competition from team members Elian Baumann (Campari Z), Bryan Balsiger (AK’s Courage), Martin Fuchs (Leone Jei), and Steve Guerdat (Albfuehren’s Maddox), under the direction of Chef d’Equipe Michel Sorg.

The silver medal was awarded to Team Germany and Chef d’Equipe Otto Becker, who ended on 12.77 points. Team members Andre Thieme (DSP Chakaria) and Marcus Ehning (Stargold) both went clear on the final day of competition, whilst Christian Kukuk (Mumbai) and David Will (C Vier) both only had one rail down

Joining Switzerland and Germany on the podium were Team Belgium in third place. The defending European champions and Tokyo Olympic Team bronze medal winners, led by Chef d’Equipe Peter Weinberg, saw an amazing four clear rounds from their riders Pieter Devos (Jade vd Bisschop), Jos Verlooy (Varoune), Olivier Philippaerts (Le Blue Diamond v’t Ruytershof), and Nicola Philippaerts (Katanga v/h Dingeshof).

Pieter said: "I’m so proud of Jade who jumped her heart out this week for the bronze team medal. She gained huge experience at Championship level and we ended up 6th individually. She’s incredibly special, I couldn’t be happier with how she progressed. I am looking forward to our future together!"