The Sheik calls, Italy answers

Italy has responded with much delight to the invitaton extended to Gianluca Laliscia, the organiser of the next European Endurance Championships to be held in Assisi.The Italian rider accompanied by Carletto di Battista will take part in the 120km ‘Ride with the Stars’ and the two horses that the Azzurri riders will mount, Cewa and Nabil by Arbitr, are already in Great Britain.The latter is held in great affection by Sportsendurance as it was passed on to U.e.e.t. by the former owners Agostino Fiordigiglio and Luca Giannangeli, director of our on-line magazine.The private competition offers 175 thousand pounds prize money, the highest in Europe, and just two weeks of organisation down the line it has managed to enitce the participation of the best in the world in endurance. At the starting line there will be at least 150 riders, coming from tens of countries. The top 10 in the overall standings will then earn the right to be invited to the 2010 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup in January.