05.07.2022

Which way to Canada?

Gerrit Nieberg is the sensational winner at the CHIO Aachen 2022. The number 106 in the world ranking list asserted himself against the absolute world elite in the jump-off of the Rolex Grand Prix. We spoke with him about this incredible afternoon in front of 40,000 spectators, the decisive tip from a Swiss colleague and the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.

Question: Winner in the Rolex Grand Prix, has it sunk in yet?
Gerrit Nieberg: It is a sensational moment, I still can’t believe it. It is going to take a while to sink in. It is all totally unreal, a dream come true.

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.

On his way to the Spruce Meadows "Masters": Gerrit Nieberg, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen 2022. Photo: CHIO Aachen/ Franziska Sack.

On his way to the Spruce Meadows "Masters": Gerrit Nieberg, winner of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen 2022. Photo: CHIO Aachen/ Franziska Sack.