Steve Guerdat (SUI) delivered a clinical performance to secure victory at the ninth leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League in Leipzig, setting an unbeatable time from the opening draw of the jump-off.
First to go in an 11-horse jump-off, the three-time World Cup champion stopped the clock at 42.21 seconds aboard the 12-year-old gelding Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte — a benchmark that none of the remaining combinations could match.
A demanding track designed by Frank Rothenberger (GER) tested scope, control and accuracy throughout the opening round, with a short vertical-to-oxer double early in the course and a later upright fence proving influential. Eleven riders progressed to the jump-off after delivering clear rounds.
France’s Simon Delestre came closest to challenging the Swiss rider for the win. Riding the ten-year-old stallion Gatsby du Tillard, Delestre produced an assured and increasingly bold round to cross the line in 43.25 seconds, securing second place. Germany’s Gerrit Nieberg completed the podium in third with Ping Pong van de Lentamel, stopping the clock in 44.54 seconds.
Despite the perceived disadvantage of opening the jump-off, Guerdat rode with confidence and precision, adopting a forward rhythm and tight lines without appearing rushed.
“It’s better for me not to watch the others and just focus on what is best for my horse,” Guerdat said afterwards. “I try to ride my own plan and not think about what is coming behind.”
Germany’s Michael Jung drew warm applause from the Leipzig crowd after narrowly missing out on a podium place. The eventing champion guided the nine-year-old Fischerheros Z to a clear first round before a late rail in the jump-off ended his challenge, leaving him sixth — just fractions outside the winning time.
Norway’s Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen continued his consistent form with a double-clear performance aboard Colonello to finish fourth, while Mario Stevens (GER) claimed fifth place with Starissa FRH.
The win marks another important step in Guerdat’s return to peak form following back surgery that ruled him out of last year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final.
After nine legs of the Western European League, Richard Vogel (GER) continues to lead the overall standings, with Gulliksen moving up into second place. The series resumes in Amsterdam on 25 January.
