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Exam Passed For WEG
Results: CAI-A & CCI***
Jerez Will Host The FEI Bureau Meeting
They Have Said....
Mike Tucker, Course Designer Jerez 2002
Enrique Sarasola
New Location For Jerez 2002
WEG Tickets Already On Sale
EXAM PASSED FOR
WEG
Twelve months ahead of the Jerez 2002 WEG, the Organizing Committe of
Jerez 2002 marked the beginning of the final count down by staging two
successful test events.
Juan Robles,
from Spain won the Four in Hand test event in Jerez KIT H.
September 2001: twelve
months ahead of the Jerez 2002 WEG, the Organizing Committee of next year's
World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, in southern Spain, marked
the beginning of the final count down by staging two successful test events.
An International Driving Competition (CAI-A) and an International Eventing
(CCI**) took place in two separate weekends of September in the very same
venues that in less than twelve months time will host the biggest equestrian
event of the history: seven world champion-
ships held in the same place at the same time. The test events were staged
with the primary goal of testing facilities, tuning the organization,
training the staff, and in this regard both events turned out to be very
successful and the Organizing Committee fully passed the exam. Appreciation
and encouraging comments came from the many foreign guests (officials,
riders, trainers, national federation's delegates, members of the press)
who, unanimously, expressed their confidence for next year's event.
RESULTS: CAI-A
& CCI***
In the CAI-A, Bousquet from France achieved his first ever International
victory and Juan Robles Marchena from Spain won the Four in Hand. In the
CCI**, Didier Dhennin from France obtained the final victory.
Didier Dhennin
on the cross country at Garrapilos venue. KATE HOUGHTON
In the CAI-A Frederic
Bousquet from France achieved his first ever International victory, by
winning the Pairs ahead of Magdalena Abecassis from Portugal and Sebastian
Sabater Espolet from Spain. "This was a very good event and I wish
the best of luck to the organizers for next year's World Championships",
said the winner. Juan Robles Marchena from Spain won the Four in Hand
class confirming to be the number one driver in Spain and a very strong
contender for next year's WEG. Robles left behind both French drivers
competing in this class: Patrick Rebulard in second place and Louis Basty
in third.
Eighteen riders in total (from Australia, France and Spain) competed in
the CCI** which saw the final victory of Didier Dhennin, member of the
French cavalry troup 'Cadre Noir', riding his eight year old mare Fine
Fleur V Ene HN. In second place, also for France, Eddy Sans with Ecile,
followed by the Australian combination Sam Griffith and In the Grove (who
led after dressage).
). Best of the Spanish competitors was Coby Bolger who ended in sixth
place. She has high hopes to see the Jerez Stadium at Chapin again next
year with her horse Sergeant Pepper II that is already qualified for the
World Championship. While the driving test event suffered from very high
temperatures and bone dry conditions, the eventers found the opposite.
On cross-country day water bucketing down for hours, though, didn't affect
the ground prepared by course designer Mike Tucker and his Spanish-british
crew. Riders were surprised how well the ground stood although none came
out without time penalties. Safety of the horses is a paramount issue
in eventing and the test event was the ideal occasion also to verify all
safety measures which need to be taken for next year. Francisco Abad from
Spain, member of WEG 2002 Veterinary Committee expressed all his satisfaction
at the end of cross-country day: "We had a perfect test!". The
competition at Jerez was also welcome opportunity for FEI Veterinary Manager
Frits Sluyters to gather 55 veterinarians, mostly from Spain, to discuss
veterinary standards and FEI regulations. A main focus was the term "fitness
to compete" which is often interpreted differently. The forum used
video tapes from the first and the last inspection to compare changes
in movement, if any.
Riders were tested under the IOC rules for uot-of-competition dope testing
and the results from tests were all negative
A nice atmosphere, smiling faces and the awarness that preparations for
WEG 2002 are well in shape accompanied the final day of the second test
event
During the CCI** the FEI, in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency
(WADA) and the Drug Free Consortium, arranged for dope testing of riders
the day before the competition began. Riders were tested under the IOC
rules for out-of-competition dope testing and the results from tests were
all negative.
A nice atmosphere, smiling faces and the awarness that preparations for
WEG 2002 are well in shape accompanied the final day of the second test
event when riders, horses, officials, foreign delegates were cheered by
FINO, WEG's official mascot, who took the opportunity to make his joyful
appearance. A perfect ambassador for WEG, FINO is expected to travel a
lot in the next few months to 'personally' invite the whole world to Jerez
in September 2002 .
JEREZ WILL HOST
THE FEI BUREU MEETING
The International Equestrian Federation will hold its annual Bureau meeting
in Jerez, from 19 to 22 November.
The International
Equestrian Federation (FEI), which is chaired by HRH Princess Pilar de
Borbon, will hold its annual Bureau meeting in Jerez, from 19 to 22 November.
The Bureau is the senior FEI body, composed of representatives from the
FEI and the official disciplines included in the World Equestrian Games.
On this special occasion, Jerez 2002 Organising Committee will act as
host at the venue of the next Championships, where a coexistence meeting
is planned, as well as a number of meetings and sessions for the exchange
of views on the forth coming major event. Thanks to Jerez 2002, the Federation´s
members, who have a direct line of communication and hold frequent meetings
with the OC, will be able to discover first hand all the virtues of Jerez,
and see the progress of the sporting venues.
THEY HAVE SAID
Officials, riders, trainers and national federation´s delegates
said that preparations for WEG 2002 are well in shape.
BO HELANDER(SWE)
Secretary General of the FEI.- "I am absolutely thrilled with the
venues, especially Garapillos. I must admit that when I last came here,
at the beginning of summer, I was sceptical about the footing at Garapillos,
but now I can easily say that the organizers have done a fantastic job
and I am really confident for the organization of the World Games in 2002.
Spanish people have proved with the Test Events that they are fully ready
to face the great committement which is needed to put together what is
considered the biggest equestrian event in the world".
MARK PHILLIPS(GBR)
Coach for the American eventing team.- "Amazing how far the organizers
have come since have been here last in February. I like the setting and
the course is fabulous. I'm afraid, though, that there won't be a lot
of room around the D-Box, the start and the finish line. Things will get
crowded here next year, when we deal with more horses and people"
ROSA BAUTISTA(ESP)
.
Deputy Mayor of Jerez City Council.- "This test has given us the
priceless opportunity to verify what we have been doing in the last years
and to test the staff. I think everything turned to be very good. There
are a few things that have to be adjusted but I feel that we can be satisfied
for what we have achieved till now. There is a nice atmosphere around
the Games. People from Jerez need to understand the magnitude of the event
and the impact it will have on the town. Jerez will present itself to
the world through this event".
FERNANDO VIZCAÍNO(SPA)
Sports director of the Spanish Equestrian Federation.- "I am impressed
with the venue at Garrapillos and I must admit that I expected preparations
less advanced than they are. From the Spanish point of view I think this
will be a great opportunity for our sport to be promoted and I hope that
after WEG all installations prepared will be kept in use for our sport".
GUY OTHEGUY(FRA)
Technical Delegate for Eventing.-"I am pleased on the results of
this test event and at the same time I am very happy that the Organizing
Committee decided to run this competition. I think that they put great
effort this time and, from my side, I have to comment only on a few details".
GIOVANNI GRIGNOLO(ITA)
President of the Ground Jury of the CCI**, on the event and his suggestions
for 2002.- "It was a very good test in the worst conditions possible
and things look positive for WEG, even though we had the dressage on what
will be the exercise area next year. I have only very few recommendations
for improvement next year. I didn't need to put additional tests onto
the organizers as I had planned to do. Everybody was in full control and
knew what to do. That also showed when we needed the horse ambulance because
one horse went lame on the road and tracks".
ARJAN BRINK(NED)
Course designer driving marathon.- "I think it was very useful to
stage this Test Event. I am sure that all of us feel now more positive
and stronger in preparations for next year".
JIM DUNN(AUS)
Coach for the Australian eventers, cross-country course.- "When I
was here last year, Garrapilos was a paddock with grass. Now it looks
like it will be a great venue for next year".
ANTONIO ORTIZ(ESP)
General Manager of Jerez 2002.- "It was good to see that in general
competitors and International delegates where satisfied with the installations
and facilities. From my point of view this test event was very useful
to tune my team and to get to know which might be our weak aspects. I
have a notebook full of notes. These Test Events gave us the precious
opportunity to put in practice what we have been planning for the past
years".
JULIUS PETERS (NED)
Team vet for the Dutch driving team, on the weather conditions in Andalusia.-
"I have monitored the conditions several times during the eventing
test event and we never came close to dangerous humidity levels that we
all feared in Atlanta. Being close to the coast means that there is always
enough wind to cool the temperatures down sufficiently".
JUAN ROBLES MARCHENA(ESP)
Spanish National Champion in Four in Hand.- "Being from Jerez it
means a lot to me that the World Equestrian Games are going to be hosted
in my hometown, and I am very proud that the whole world will be here
to experience what I believe will be a great event" .
GEORGE BOWMAN (GBR)
"All facilities are very good and the organization is excellent.
I am really looking forward to take part in Jerez at my fourth World Equestrian
Games in a row".
MIKE TUCKER, COURSE DESIGNER JEREZ 2002
"One of the challenges was linking the course for eventing with the
one for driving..."
Mike Tucker,
Course Designer. KATE HOUGHTON
... on his preparations
for the event: "I have been working on this project for two years
now, and have been here at Jerez several times. One of the challenges
was linking the course for eventing with the one for driving. I have been
working very closely with Arjan Brink from the Netherlands who builds
the course for the drivers. We plan to use three to four fences for both
competitions".
... on the outlay of the cross-country course:
"It was all bushland where the two water complex are situated now.
They are both completely manmade after we have cleared some bushes and
pruned the large trees. That is how we achieved this parklike setting.
Over 18 months we have spent three months building time on the waters
alone".
...on the workforce needed for building and maintaining the course:
"I work with the team from Badminton which is basically Allan Willis
and two sons who also have been at Sydney before. They work closely with
the Spanish team. The planting of the track has been delayed until June
and the grass has come very nicely since then. It will be much better
next year. One of the big tasks has been the laying of the irrigation
pipes. We needed around five kilometers".
....on the upkeep for next year: "We need to put special attention
on the track, not only because we need roughly 3000 meters more for the
WEG competition. It will be important to plant very soon to avoid differences
in the old and the newer surfaces".
ENRIQUE SARASOLA
Sarasola and Dope Doux won in Pau the first bronze medal in the history
of Spanish Eventing.
Enrique Sarasola,
optimist
Enrique Sarasola was
unable to take part in the trial event organised by Jerez 2000 last September,
because a few days later he was committed to representing Spain in the
European Championships, held in Pau. The rider from El Espinar was fully
fired up for a competition that was to be Dope Doux's first major outing
after being injured in Sydney. The outcome could not have been more positive,
with Sarasola and Dope Doux winning the first bronze medal in the history
of Spanish Eventing.
After his success, Enrique Sarasola told us "since I bought Dope
Doux I was convinced that this horse had the potential to win medals,
and at last we've done it. After his injury in Sydney he was out of action
for two months, but during the one-day events in England last year it
became clear that he was set to show something special. And it happened
at the European Championships".
" Naturally,
Enrique is thrilled with his French horse. "He has a huge amount
of energy, and does everything at full pelt. He's a real bull of a horse".
About the Championships, Enrique Sarasola stresses that "of those
I've competed in, this has probably been the best result I've had. Michelet
has done a great job combining old style jumps with other narrow ones
that are very complicated.
There was a risk of making and error at any of the jumps, because the
course was set up for professionals, for riders who can keep their concentration
from the beginning to the end. The cross was quite similar to what they've
done at Garrapilos. It's fairly flat but rolling".
Enrique Sarasola considers that "this result is a good sign and is
a big boost for our morale in the run-up to Jerez 2002. I was already
pretty optimistic, because everyone I see is mentally very well prepared,
keen to do well and there's a really good atmosphere in the team, co-ordinating
well with one another. But after this result, I'm even more encouraged,
as you can imagine. Dope Doux is a horse with the potential to be among
the very best at Jerez".
As for the rest of the team, Enrique Sarasola feels that "the most
positive thing has been Beacon Hill coming on board-a great horse capable
of doing great things in the hands of Santiago Centenera. At Pau they
made a couple of errors that I put down to them still getting used to
each other.
Ramón was unlucky in being drawn as the first to start and Iván
Buezo has got a great horse, and we hope he recovers from the injury that
stopped him from finishing at Pau."
From now on, Dope Doux will follow a specific training schedule for the
Jerez World Championships. "Our preparation will be similar to what
we did getting ready for Pau. I don't think that we'll be competing in
any more three-day events until Jerez 2002. We'll go to England to train
and compete in a few one-day competitions there, between five and seven,
I expect.
That way we'll keep risks to a minimum and it's been shown that with that
kind of preparation the horse will be at full strength and raring to go
at such an important event for us as the Jerez World Championships".
NEW LOCATION FOR
JEREZ 2002
The Organizing Committee headquarters moves to the heart of the Games.
New location for
Jerez 2002 E. CORRALES
Jerez 2002 Organizing
Committee headquarters, situated until now at Calle Bizcocheros, 2, moved
last Monday 29th October to the Equestrian Complex of Chapin to control
the organizing process of the event from the very heart of what will be
the little town of the World Equestrian Games.
The new location for Jerez 2002 is situated just behind the old Social
Club of Chapin, currently under works. It consists on a modular structure
of about 750 m2 where the seven operation areas, into which the Organizing
Committee is divided, will be settled: Sports, Communication, Logistic,
Technology, Infrastructure, Commercial and Administration.
The new address of Jerez 2002 Organizing Committee is Sporting Complex
of Chapin. Avenida del Polo s/n. 11405 Jerez (Spain), will keep the same
telephone (+34 956 326 739) and fax (+34 956 326 744) numbers, and e-mail
address (info@jerez2002weg.com).
This will be a temporary location until works of the administrative building
for the OC are completed. This building is being built close to the Main
Stadium. From this new location Jerez 2002 will experience many of the
big moments: the sale of tickets; the commercialisation of the stands;
the welcoming of new sponsors; the promotional tour of Fino, etc.
WEG TICKETS ALREADY
ON SALE
Tickets reservation already available in the Internet. You can make
bookings via the Games´official portal www.jerez2002weg.com
Season tickets and
tickets for Jerez 2002 are now on sale. Thanks to the Internet, those
who want to be sure of getting seats for the Fourth Edition of the World
Equestrian Championships can make bookings from anywhere in the world
via the Games' official portal (www.jerez2002weg.com).
Any queries can be addressed to ticketing@jerez2002weg.com
or sent by fax to the technical office of the Organising Committee (955036849).
Tickets can also be obtained through other channels controlled by the
Organising Committee: call centre, Official Games Agency, etc.
Since this challenge first began, the Jerez 2002 Organising Committee
has opted for an accessible pricing policy for the World Equestrian Games,
which will be held in Spain (Jerez) from 10 to 22 September 2002, with
a view to helping ensure that this edition is the most economically successful
in the history of the Games.
Popular prices
As a result of this sales philosophy, a full season ticket for Jerez 2002
will cost 310 euros, with partial season tickets available at 134 euros
for the first week (11-15 September) and 176 euros for the second week
(16-22 September).
Daily ticket holders will also be able to enjoy all the horse-riding disciplines
held both at the Chapin site, in the Jerez town centre, and at Cortijo
of Garrapilos, only 17 kilometres away.
WEG tickets on sale
In accordance with the official sales schedule, numbered season tickets
have been on sale since last September.
Numbered tickets will be available from January 2002, although in the
light of the evident demand, the Jerez 2002 organisers may bring this
date forward.
Season tickets can be changed for the definitive tickets when the holders
arrive in Jerez.
Just three months before the Games, in June 2002, the booking phase for
non-numbered season tickets and tickets will begin, with box-office sales
available from August onwards.
Ticket sales, together with sponsorship activities and the direct or indirect
marketing of merchandising times and business space will be the main source
of income of the Jerez 2002 Organising Committee to cover the Organisation's
budget.
www.jerez2002weg.com
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