Rio gold medallists Kevin Staut, Roger-Yves Bost and Philippe Rozier were celebrated in Valence.

© RBpresse and Sportfot

The ceremony honouring the French Olympic Champions was a magical moment shared at the Jumping International of Valence. The French riders entered the arena inside a four-Frisian coach orchestrated by the famous magician Dani Lary. After broadcasting the breathtaking rounds in Rio that Kevin Staut, Roger-Yves Bost and Philippe Rozier watched again with a lot of emotions, spectators had the surprise of seeing fourth team member Penelope Leprévost appearing on the main screen, lived from another show. A chance for Rio’s hero to share this moment with their French fans, one week only after their impressive victory.

The French team soared to victory in Rio despite world number two Simon Delestre's late withdrawal and Penelope Leprevost's fall in the first qualifier.

Earlier in the day, a former Olympic medallist was also in the spotlight… Michel Robert proved that he hasn’t lost any of his talent by winning the Grand Prix CSI2*, Prix SFAM – GBG Assurances, to the acclaims of passionate fans who were thrilled to watch their idol still riding at this level of competition.

Later on, Laura Renwick continued her run of victories by winning  the Prix Axeria, 1.50m speed class. First to go, the British rider knew how to lead her round and finish clear so that the next thirty-two opponents could never reach time of of 61.15 seconds.

Finally, the Six Bars class took place and the victory of Alova Soloviova closed this sensational night at the Haras des Grillons. This high jump class is spectacular, thrilling, and breathtaking. In this event, the Ukraine rider was the best and very nearly jumped 2.10m - unfortunately taking the pole down with her. Of course, we are still far from the world record set by Chili Aleberto Arraguibel and his thoroughbred Huaso, who jumped 2.47m in… 1949. It will be a hard record to break, since today the sport is less about power and more about agility and dressage; however, the idea to reinstate this type of class is excellent, according to the spectators!

Source: RBpresse media release

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