Ready for the FEI Driving World Cup in Mechelen: A Spectacular Finale with Local Heroes in the Spotlight

Mechelen, 18 December 2025 – As tradition dictates, the FEI Driving World Cup, presented by Lotto and Paardensport Vlaanderen, once again provides the spectacular closing act of Jumping Mechelen. Year after year, the Nekkerhal is transformed into an electrifying arena, where the very best four-in-hand drivers in the world thrill packed grandstands with speed, precision and power.

Driving specialist Mathias Wentein perfectly captures the essence of the event:
“It is always a unique and atmospheric finale. Four-in-hand drivers are modern-day gladiators.”

Three Belgian drivers fuel home hopes

This year’s edition is particularly special for the home crowd. No fewer than three Belgian drivers will line up at the start: Dries Degrieck, Glenn Geerts and Tom Stockmans. Their presence raises hopes of a historic Belgian victory — one that has been elusive since 2003.

The Driving World Cup has been held in Mechelen since 2001, and the 2025 edition also features a remarkable and rare storyline: a father-and-daughter duo from Germany. Christoph Sandmann, a fixture at the highest international level for decades, will compete alongside — and against — his daughter Anna Sandmann. Each brings their own team, approach and style, creating a fascinating generational duel within the same arena.

Top favourites and fierce international opposition

Defending champion and reigning European title holder Bram Chardon once again arrives in Mechelen as the man to beat. The Dutch star’s speed and consistency have made him a dominant force on the indoor circuit.

However, the competition could hardly be tougher. Fellow Dutchman Koos de Ronde, an experienced champion and former winner, is always a serious contender, while Swiss ace Jérôme Voutaz is renowned for his technical precision and cool-headed performances under pressure. Germany is further represented by Georg von Stein, completing a truly world-class line-up.

The two Belgian wildcards have been awarded to Glenn Geerts, who will compete with a new team and is eagerly anticipating the unique Mechelen atmosphere, and to Tom Stockmans, an ambitious debutant who combines his background in show jumping with a growing passion for four-in-hand driving.

With three Belgians — the entire Belgian World Championship team of 2024 — on the start list, Belgium once again underlines its strength in the sport. Belgian chef d’équipe Marc Wentein, who has been closely involved in driving at Jumping Mechelen for over 20 years as speaker, is already looking forward to the event:
“Belgian drivers are performing incredibly well, and Jumping Mechelen is traditionally the perfect way to close yet another fantastic year for driving sport.”

Dries Degrieck: form, focus and home pressure

Belgian fans quietly dare to dream. Dries Degrieck is enjoying the strongest indoor season of his career to date. After winning the FEI Driving World Cup leg in Lyon at the beginning of November, he followed up with another impressive victory in Stockholm last weekend.

“This is the best indoor season I’ve ever had,” Degrieck explains. “Both my horses and I are still young, but the extra year of experience compared to 2023 has really made us a stronger team. I managed to win both the warm-up and the final in Lyon and Stockholm, and I’ve already beaten everyone who will be competing in Mechelen.”

Yet competing in front of a home crowd also brings its own challenges:
“The atmosphere in Mechelen is incredible. When you enter the arena as a Belgian driver, it feels like the stands are about to explode. It’s amazing, but it also makes it much harder to stay focused. Even during the course walk, the crowd is already going wild. That’s probably the biggest challenge for me.”

Tickets and practical information

Don’t miss this unmissable finale of the indoor season. Make sure to mark the following driving competitions in your calendar:

• 29 December 2024 – Four-in-hand warm-up at 2:40 pm in the Christmas Arena
• Followed by – Driving with the Stars at 4:00 pm in the New Year Arena
• 30 December 2024 – FEI Driving World Cup four-in-hand at 10:00 pm in the Christmas Arena

Three key moments that promise top-level sport, thrilling atmosphere and a fitting climax to another unforgettable edition of Jumping Mechelen.

© Rights Reserved.