The third leg of the FEI Eventing World Cup will take place over the Easter weekend from 25 to 28 March at Fontainebleau (FRA). Located some 50 km south of Paris in the vicinity of a magnificent 13th century castle, Fontainebleau is well renowned for its numerous equestrian activities. It is the only French leg of the 2005 FEI Eventing World Cup season.

No less than 37 riders representing Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands Antilles, Sweden and, of course, host nation France are expected to take part in the qualifier. Among them, such popular names as Linda Algotsson (SWE), winner of two FEI Eventing World Cup Finals, Australia’s Clayton Fredericks, who competed at Barroca d’Alva two weeks ago, or Bettina Hoy of Germany, who after a very eventful Olympic summer, was the impressive winner of CCI 3s at Boekolo in October 2004.

The home team will be more than well represented by 13 riders, among whom three members of last summer’s golden Olympic squad: Arnaud Boiteau, Cédric Lyard and Nicholas Touzaint. Didier Courrèges, the fourth golden boy who put an end to his sports career after the Olympic Games, will also be present for a guided Cross walk on Sunday 28 March morning.

Dressage will take place over two days: Friday 25 March (14-17h30) and Saturday 26 March (9h00 – 12h30, 14h00-17h30). The 4000 m, 25-fence, 35-jumping effort cross country will be on Easter Sunday 27 March (12h30-16h30). The final test will begin on Monday 28 March at 13h30 to 15h30. The prize-giving ceremony will follow.

Press Contact:
Françoise LINHART - Barbara BEGHIN
Mobile: + 33 6 81 75 51 60
actual.consultants@wanadoo.fr