Question: Did you expect to win here?
Nieberg: No, definitely not. But, I did already have a very good feeling over the last few days. So, I did think I had a small chance, but the fact that I actually took the victory is, of course, awesome. The first and second rounds went really well and then the cards were reshuffled again.

Question: 40,000 spectators beside themselves – did you notice that?
Nieberg: Of course, at the end! But beforehand, especially when I rode into the stadium, I simply tried to concentrate on myself and Ben and to follow my planned strategy for the jump-off.

Question: In other words take that tight turn?
Nieberg: Yes. I asked Steve Guerdat on the warm-up area, whether I could go inside and Steve said, yes you can do that. So I did it and it was good.

Question: Your father was a successful show-jumper, but he never managed to win the Rolex Grand Prix…
Nieberg: My father achieved so much more than I have. And he has been so significant for me. He is also my trainer, he knows me and my horse inside out, before the jump-off he said: You can do it! It is also his victory today here in Aachen.

Question: And now you are the contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping…
Nieberg: I still cannot believe it. To be honest, I didn’t actually have the Spruce Meadows Masters in Canada down in my diary, but I think I am going to have to change my plans now. A big thank you to Rolex that they make the Grand Slam possible.