Maxime Livio and Api du Libaire
France made it three wins at Avenches in Switzerland with Maxime Livio taking the CCI4*-S and CCI3*-S, while Olympic team champion Astier Nicolas won the CCI3*-L. The Swiss National Championship was won by Robin Godel competing on home ground at the venue that will host the FEI European Championships in September
The Swiss rider Felix Vogg held the lead in the CCI4*-S after the dressage but Maxime Livio riding the 11-year-old Api du Libaire moved into the lead as the only rider to complete the Peter Hasenböhler designed cross country without penalties on Saturday.
On the final day he had one rail in the show jumping but took the win on a score of 29.2 ahead of Robin Godel riding Grandeur de Lully CH on 30.7
"I am very happy with my result” says Maxime “I have been riding Api du Libaire for two and a half years, he's a horse very sensitive but we understand each other well now. On the cross, he showed a lot of courage because the course was very turning, while he has long strides. I look forward to coming back here at the European Championships if my horses are in good shape. The IENA facilities are really beautiful”
Robin Godel took the National Championship title for the first time in his career thanks to a clear show jumping round
“Grandeur de Lully CH was once again incredible. In cross country he showed himself so fast. He really is a horse that I have every confidence in. It's simple, without him and (the owner) Mr. Fünfschilling, I wouldn't be there today!”
Felix Vogg riding Colero, who was on the same score as Robin before the show jumping, finished in ninth place due to three faults, but took the Swiss Championship silver medal ahead of Nadja Minder riding Toblerone.
The Italian rider Stefano Brecciaroli and Bolivar Gio Granno finished third overall in the CCI4*-S.
Maxime Livio also won the CCI3*-S with his stallion Enjoy de Keroue while his compatriot Astier Nicolas won the CCI3*-L on the 11-year-old Alertamalib’or ahead of Thomas Carlile riding Darmagnac by Beliard and the Swiss rider Eveline Bodenmüller on Watermill Giorgio.
