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Jumping Mechelen Brings World Champions, Olympic Medalists, and Belgian Heroes Together Between Christmas and New Year
From December 26 to 30, 2024, the Nekkerhal will once again host Vlaanderens Kerstjumping – Memorial Eric Wauters. For over 40 years, this iconic event has been a cornerstone of international equestrian sport. But Jumping Mechelen is more than just a competition: it’s a celebration where top-level sport, festive atmosphere, and unforgettable entertainment come together. The unique blend of elite performances, a magical Christmas experience, and a warm welcome make this event a must-visit for riders and fans from around the world.
One of the event’s highlights is the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup presented by BMW, a prestigious five-star competition at the highest level. This year, the thrilling showdown will take place on December 30 at 3:00 PM. The World Cup brings the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations together to tackle a challenging 1m60 course. The winner will walk away not only with eternal glory but also with a brand-new BMW M135i.
A Key Stop in the World Cup Circuit
Jumping Mechelen marks the ninth stop in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup (Western European League) season, which includes a total of 14 stages. Other prestigious stops include Lyon, Amsterdam, and London. The season culminates in April 2025 with a spectacular final in Basel. For riders, this is a crucial opportunity to earn points and secure their place in the grand finale.
International Stars Shine in Mechelen
Jumping Mechelen will host an impressive lineup of some of the biggest names in equestrian sports. Current World Cup runner-up Kevin Staut (FRA) will compete to reclaim his top spot. He’ll be joined by six other riders from the current top 15: Grégory Wathelet (BEL, 3rd), Pieter Devos (BEL, 9th), Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER, 10th), and Julien Anquetin (FRA, 11th). Other standout competitors include Harrie Smolders (NED, 13th) and Marlon Zanotelli (BRA, 14th).
Adding even more excitement to the competition are legendary riders such as Scott Brash (GBR), an Olympic bronze medalist in Paris, Julien Epaillard (FRA), who took silver at last season’s World Cup Final, and Henrik Von Eckermann (SWE), the reigning world champion and winner of the last World Cup Final.
Belgian Stars at the Starting Line
Belgian fans can look forward to cheering on a strong home team. In addition to Pieter Devos and Grégory Wathelet, other top Belgian riders such as Wim Vermeir, Niels Bruynseels, Jérôme Guery, Rik Hemeryck, Nicola Philippaerts, Olivier Philippaerts, Thibeau Spits, Gilles Thomas, Jordy Van Massenhove, Koen Vereecke, and Jos Verlooy will also compete.
Complete Rider List
- Katharina Rhomberg (AUT)
- Wilm Vermeir (BEL)
- Niels Bruynseels (BEL)
- Pieter Devos (BEL)
- Jérôme Guery (BEL)
- Rik Hemeryck (BEL)
- Nicola Philippaerts (BEL)
- Olivier Philippaerts (BEL)
- Thibeau Spits (BEL)
- Gilles Thomas (BEL)
- Jordy Van Massenhove (BEL)
- Koen Vereecke (BEL)
- Jos Verlooy (BEL)
- Katrin Eckermann (GER)
- Vince Jarmy (HUN)
- Deirdre Reilly (IRL)
- David Simpson (IRL)
- Lorenzo De Luca (ITA)
- Vincent Bourguignon (MAR)
- Willem Greve (NED)
- Grégory Wathelet (BEL)
- Marlon Zanotelli (BRA)
- Laura Baaring Kjaergaard (DEN)
- Julio Arias Cueva (ESP)
- Julien Anquetin (FRA)
- Francois Xavier Boudant (FRA)
- Julien Epaillard (FRA)
- Kevin Staut (FRA)
- Scott Brash (GBR)
- Donald Whitaker (GBR)
- Sandra Auffarth (GER)
- Daniel Deusser (GER)
- Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER)
- Harrie Smolders (NED)
- Victoria Gulliksen (NOR)
- Rodrigo Almeida (POR)
- Edouard Schmitz (SUI)
- Pius Schwizer (SUI)
- Erika Lickhammer – Van Helmond (SWE)
- Henrik Von Eckermann (SWE)
With this impressive line-up, Jumping Mechelen promises to deliver another unforgettable edition. Make sure you’re there!
The FEI Jumping World Cup presented by BMW has been sold out for quite some time. However, you can still catch these stars in action during numerous other thrilling 5* competitions throughout the event.
