Rio 2016: France take showjumping gold

The French showjumping team led by Philippe Guerdat have jumped their way to Olympic glory in Rio de Janeiro.
Team France found themselves trailing behind USA, Germany, Holland and Brazil following the opening two rounds but came back strong to take the gold.
Germany were the favourites for the Olympic crown but in the final round they only registered one clear thanks to Ludger Beerbaum and had to settle for bronze.
Silver went to the consistent USA team who took to the field with the following riders: Kent Farrington with Voyeur, Lucy Davis with Barron, McLain Ward with Azur and Beezie Madden with Cortes ‘C’.
The hosts meanwhile were another nation tipped for success and performed well, but paid the price for 13 penalties overall and perhaps a lack of experience.
Brazil in the end had to be happy with fifth place while the super showjumping force and world champs Holland collected a surprise 18 penalties for 7th place.
Focusing back to the winners, team France took to the field as follows: Philippe Rozier with Rahotep de Toscane, Kevin Staut with Reveur de Hurtebise (the team’s best performer with a double clear), Roger-Yves Bost with Sydney Une Prince and Penelope Leprevost with Flora de Mariposa.
For the French, this is their second Olympic gold in show-jumping and they managed it despite the injury blow to Simon Delestre’s Ryan des Hayettes.
SEE HERE FOR MORE: https://www.rio2016.com/en/equestrian-jumping-team-round-2
In the individual competition meanwhile Eric Lamaze of Canada leads the way in the provisional standings ahead of the final showdown.
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photo: Team Jumping Medalists Gold France, Silver USA, Bronze Germany Rio Olympics 2016
Photo Arnd Bronkhorst