With two World Cups and two World Champions - Ludger Beerbaum in show-jumping, making his grand return to Bordeaux, and Michael Freund, another German, in driving - the Bordeaux International Show-Jumping Competition has redoubled its efforts to satisfy its faithful audience. The World Cups are not in fact in themselves the essential part of the three days, recognised as one of France's major sports meetings. Horseball, a sport in which France has been the unbeaten European champion ever since its inception, and breeding, with the BEST of the national stud farms, will also be part of the event.

FEI INDOOR DRIVING WORLD CUP : the FRENCH STAGE IN BORDEAUX
It goes without saying that the major event - as 23 years ago at the time of the creation of the World Show-Jumping Cup - is the choice of the FEI to hold the French stage of the brand new Driving World Cup in Bordeaux. This competition was created in Stuttgart last November and immediately attracted a fervent crowd. The spectacle is quite simply breathtaking : the dexterity of the drivers and the speed of the four horses zig-zagging through the gates is amazing. The performance of the first winner on the circuit, the German Michael Freund, the world's N° 1 and double World Champion in 1994, earned him a standing ovation from the 7,700 spectators in the magnificent hall in Stuttgart.

THE BORDEAUX INTERNATIONAL SHOW-JUMPING COMPETITION : WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD
The reaction of the spectators in Bordeaux will in all likelihood easily measure up to that. They have always shown their excitement for equestrian contests, the jump-offs, each more enthralling than the last, provided over the last four years by riders such as Beerbaum, Sloothaak, Whitaker, Philippaerts Fuchs and Melliger, to quote just the greatest winners in the capital of Aquitaine, champions who will all be there as from February 8, 2002. It is indeed a rare occurrence to have them all together in one and the same competition in France. Alongside those tops of the bill, many other riders who have been in the news during the 2001 season have announced their intention of coming to Bordeaux, in particular medallists of the European Championships (the three individuals and the majority of the three teams). The World Cup event (on the Saturday evening) and the Grand Prix (on the Sunday afternoon) promise to be the scene of some fierce contests !

THE "BEST" OF THE NATIONAL STUD FARMS " : THE STALLIONS CHAMPIONSHIP
The BEST (Bordeaux European Stallions Trophy) of the National Stud Farms will be another highlight with the breeding contest, with the competition of teams of three young 7 to 8 year-old stallions representing their European breeding region : Hanover, Belgium, Ireland, Holstein and many other stud-books, all producing a sample in Bordeaux of their very finest studs. Of course, they will be there to compete, but also to promote their farms. This contest in Bordeaux clearly evidences that the breeding of sports horses is an activity which, with its increasing globalisation, brings the European breeders closer together.

THE KEY WORD : CONVIVIALITY
Conviviality is without doubt one of the key words in the Bordeaux International Show-Jumping Competition. It is in fact one of the main arguments that encourage the leading riders on the circuit to take part - and even to become regulars - in Bordeaux. The restaurant facilities and nearby hotels are particularly appreciated. Between the events and entertainment, the exhibition area enables the general public and the riders to meet on the various stands. Friendly exchanges are commonplace between the stars and their fans. Everyone can find the latest equipment for the practice of their sport or leisure activity.

We are busily preparing for the 27th Bordeaux Show Jumping Competition and there are plenty of other surprises to come. Watch this space…