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A spectacular finale with local heroes in the spotlight
As tradition dictates, the FEI Driving World Cup, presented by Lotto and Paardensport Vlaanderen, once again forms the spectacular finale of Jumping Mechelen. Driving-specialist Mathias Wentein agrees. “It is always a unique and atmospheric closing act. Four-in-hand drivers are modern-day gladiators.”
This year is particularly special, with three Belgian drivers at the start, Dries Degrieck, Glenn Geerts and Tom Stockmans. It could even result in a first Belgian victory since 2003.
The Driving World Cup has been held in the Nekkerhal since 2001 and this year also features a remarkable father-daughter duo from Germany, Christoph and Anna Sandmann. Christoph Sandmann has been a fixture at the highest international level for decades, while his daughter Anna has quickly made a name for herself in four-in-hand driving with her technical precision and strong dressage performances. Uniquely, father and daughter will compete not only side by side, but also against each other, each with their own team and style.
Defending champion Bram Chardon of the Netherlands, and reigning European champion, remains the man to beat. However, he faces formidable competition from Koos de Ronde of the Netherlands and Jérôme Voutaz of Switzerland.
