The top 21 riders and horses of the world gathers in Barcelona this weekend for the FEI Nations Cup Final during the 109th edition of the CSIO Barcelona.
The Real Club de Polo in Barcelona hosts six competitions over three days (Oct.1st-3rd). Three competitions will be individual, while the other three are part of the team competitions for the Nations Cup Final.
The opening competition takes place on Friday, October 1st. The pressure will be on the teams straight away, as only the top ten can get qualified for the Final on Sunday. Nicola defends Belgium with Katanga v/h Dingeshof. He teams up with Jerome Guery (Quel Homme de Hus), Niels Bruynseels (Delux van T&L) and Gregory Wathelet ( Nevados S). Thibeau Spits is ready as reserve with Classic Touch DH.
Just a few weeks ago, the brilliant Belgians (Jos Verlooy, Pieter Devos, Nicola Philippaerts, and Olivier Philippaerts) sealed the bronze medal at the European Championships in Riesenbeck. "Knowing that it was a debut at this kind of championships for our horses, the hopes are high. Katanga has a lot of potential, but we need to keep our heads and stay focused. All riders made it here for a reason.", states Nicola. He takes Gijs to Barcelona as his second horse for the other classes.
