The 15 jumps had to be completed in just 76 seconds, so time was a factor, as well as the packed stands just a few metres from the action.
Thirty-eight riders gathered for the first leg of 13 leading to the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals in Gothenburg, Sweden, next April.
At the end of the first round, 12 riders had gone clear, advancing to what would be an exciting jump off against the clock.
With rails down by Anna-Julia Kontio of Finland and Karel Cox of Belgium, and with Michael Cristofoletti of Italy turning in a clear round at 46.70 seconds, Lindelöw was fourth to ride in the jump off.
The 27-year-old Swede too went clear, edging out Cristofoletti at 44.67 seconds.
The next 20 minutes were a nail biter for Lindelöw, as some of the world’s best riders were yet to go.
The jump-off course contained eight obstacles and nine efforts, with a double combination that had to be perfectly timed and a long gallop to the final Longines vertical at the finish.
Luca Moneta of Italy tried to cut the last turn sharply to save time, and though he rode clear, it wasn’t enough to beat Lindelöw at 46 seconds flat.
Hans-Dieter Dreher of Germany and Denis Lynch of Ireland had clear rides too, but at 47.86 seconds and 49.24 seconds, respectively, they weren’t fast enough to threaten the leader.
Pieter Devos of Belgium and his countryman Olivier Philippaerts each picked up 4 penalty points, knocking them out of podium contention.
Three-time Olympian and nine-time World Cup finalist Tops-Alexander was next up, and her experience held her in good stead, as she turned in a lightning quick clear round at 45.56 seconds to put her on the leaderboard in the No.2 spot.
