The CHIO Aachen again at last, the World Equestrian Festival that the athletes and visitors know and love again at last. The vaulters kicked off the event today in top-class style in the Prize of Sparkasse with the compulsory and technical tests.

Following tradition, the vaulters put in top sporting performances in the circle in the Albert-Vahle Arena. But the team spirit that they displayed when a sudden downpour threatened to flood their sports venue, was also remarkable. Without further ado, they changed out of their vaulting costumes into wellington boats and energetically helped the CHIO Aachen team scrub, plane and remove piles of sand, so that the show could go on after a brief interruption.

In the ladies’ competition, Alina Roß (GER) succeeded best in achieving the goal of making a good first impression on day 1. After coming third in Aachen in 2021, the German Champion confirmed her top form with her trusted partner, Baron, lunged by Volker Ross with a score of 8.454 in the compulsory test and a score of 8.278 in the technical test. With a combined score of 8.366, the 21-year-old currently ranks first ahead of the Swiss vaulter, Nadja Büttiker. The 28-year-old achieved a combined score of 8.297 with Acardi van de Kapel, lunged by Monika Winkler-Bischofsberger, after being awarded 8.362 in the compulsory test and 8.232 in the technical test. The French vaulter Manon Moutinho currently lies in third place before the final freestyle competition on Saturday. The reigning World Cup winner finished on a score of 8.114 with Saitiri and her lunger, Corinne Bosshard.

In the group competition, the current German Champions, Team Norka Automation VV Köln-Dünwald, are also in the lead. The German team went into first place with Calidor, lunged by Patric Looser, with a score of 7.978, ahead of the Swiss team, Lütisburg with Rayo de la Luz, lunged by Monika Winkler-Bischofsberger (7.802). Trailing slightly behind, VV Ingelsberg with Fider Rock, lunged by Lars Hansen are presently lying in third place on a score of 7.508.

Today, Lambert Leclezio was the best in the men’s competition. The French vaulter, who travelled to Aachen as three-time World Champion and runner-up in the World Cup, confirmed his role as the favourite to win the competition. The 25-year-old collected an overall score of 8.820 in the compulsory test with his trusted partner, Estado IFCE, lunged by Loic Devedu. The current Junior World Champion, Sam Dos Santos from the Netherlands currently ranks second with Chameur, lunged by Rian Pierik-Bongers (8.543). Thomas Brüsewitz (GER), who already claimed the victory in the Prize of Sparkasse in the years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, is currently lying in third place. The 28-year-old picked up a score of 8.461 in the compulsory test with Eyecatcher, lunged by Alexandra Knauf. The men’s programme continues tomorrow on Saturday at 9 a.m. with the technical test.