Jumping is a popular equestrian style in Switzerland, with approximately 340 national and a number of international jumping competitions organized there. This popularity has undoubtedly been boosted by the success of the Swiss show jumping riders, who triumphed in 2021 as winners of the FEI European Longines Championship in Riesenbeek (Germany), also winning Olympic team medals three times.
These inspiring successes and the ambitions of the riders will be supported by the Swiss Federation's philosophy that optimal conditions can lead to success. The foundation for subsequent victories is believed to have been laid through strong fundamental training and the promotion of young talent at the appropriate level. This task currently falls to the new master chef, former Dutch team assistant Peter van der Weij.
Van der Weij, who took over from Michel Sorge in January, begins his new role with great enthusiasm and a great sense of responsibility: “The new format of the Longines Nations League with four riders in the first round and three riders in the first round.” The second round definitely adds an extra challenge. It certainly doesn't make things easier for the chef and can lead to difficult decisions. It is difficult to predict the outcome; We have seen often over the years that a first round result does not guarantee a second round. It is an interesting new aspect to the FEI Nations Cup format, and fans will be very excited to see if their country finishes at the top of the leaderboard.
We asked him what the Longines League of Nations™ means to participants, the sport and fans. Switzerland is famous for precision and craftsmanship. How do you see the Longines League of Nations™ as an opportunity to highlight Swiss attention to detail in equestrian sport?
“The Swiss team always strives for a strong performance in the FEI Nations Cup, and the New Longines Nations Cup will be one of the highlights of next season. With the competition at such a high level, the Swiss team will focus even more on these performances.” “Swiss riders have always given full priority to the FEI Nations Cup and will continue to do so through the Longines League of Nations™.”
In your opinion, what does the establishment of the Longines Nations™ Association mean for show jumping?
“The Longines Championship of Nations™ will take the sport to another level around the world, as the world's leading nations will compete against each other on three different continents. This will reach a global audience and attract jumping fans from all ten participating countries and more.” I Excited to follow the competitions. For our team it will be a very exciting battle, as our home game in St. Gallen is part of the series and will receive more attention than usual, which makes it even more exciting!”
Switzerland has a close-knit equestrian community. How can you involve fans and young riders in the Longines League of Nations™ campaign and promote a sense of unity?
“Swiss equestrian sport is not just about the riders, it is also about family and friends, and that is how we like to treat our fans and young riders. With St. Gallen being part of this series, the Swiss equestrian world will enjoy a great show.” Top level , where the best countries in the world compete against each other. In St. Gallen our fans gather and we ask them to wear Swiss red with pride!”
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