The FEI Eventing Nations Cup series 2023 has just finished its sixth phase, held at Avenches, Switzerland. This time carrying forward their form from the last home turf victory, the French again claimed the podium position in this event.

This event had eight countries participating in it and all were from Europe. This Eventing Nations Cup series holds an important position for eventing nations as those who rank high in this FEI event will qualify for the next year’s Olympics. Therefore, the competition was tough but the last event winners showed their superiority.

France Claims the Eventing Nations Cup

In this sixth phase, France entered the competition with a different team from the last edition on home turf. But, this team too was very experienced with only Maxime Livio participating from the last team. Other riders were  Raphael Cochet, Christopher Six, and Mathieu Lemoin.  France dominated all three events in the competition from the start. They finished dressage with a 91.1 score and cross country with a 115.5 score. After the last stage, their overall score was 135.5. They won this event with a comfortable victory. The second place went to Itlay who had an overall score of 148.9 and the third place to home nation Switzerland with 155.

The event took place at Institut Equestre National d’Avenches. It is the place where many other significant competitions were held like the 2021 FEI Eventing European Championships. With the aim of the next year’s Olympics, the French team showed their strength and depth at the event. After winning this phase they are the major title contenders for the gold in the Olympics. This is their third nations cup victory this season after winning Chatsworth in Great Britain last May and at home in Haras de Jardy. Belgium still holds the first position after the sixth phase with 510 points.

Read More: As the Paris Olympics 2024 Nears, Handful Slots Left for Countries to Win Their Equestrian Spot

All three events in which the French won presented different challenges in cross-country track and jumping. But, the reach excelled in both and made it in the shortest time. For the French this time  Raphael Cochet stepped up.

Raphael Cochet leads France to victory

This phase at Avenches was Raphael Cochet’s event. He got the first position in the individual category. Riding on his mare Difda Du Very, he was the fastest in the cross-country round. Speaking on individual achievement Raphael said, ” I never expected to win here. I came here focusing on winning with the team but wasn’t thinking about an individual win at all“. He further said, “There are so many factors that play a role first with Dressage, then the cross country and Jumping phases, that winning here is really an incredible feeling and gives very special emotions“. He was happy that his horse passed all the tests and proved his strength.

The seventh phase of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup series 2023 will be held at Bromont, Canada from 11th August to 13th of August. The French have proven their skill and strength after winning this event with a majorly different team.

Watch the Story: Following a Successful Tournament in the US, Equestrian World Cup Finals Will Get a First-Time Host in 2024