Rio equestrian site could be ‘best venue’ ever

The first equestrian test event for Rio 2016 has kicked off at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Centre, declared as potentially one of the “best Olympic and Paralympic venues” ever seen.

‘Very happy’

At the end of day one of the Aquece Rio International Horse Trials, Gilbert Felli International Olympic Committee (IOC) director said he was “very happy” with how things went.

“It’s why we do a test event, so that we can correct things and make sure everybody understands everything for next year, and Rio has delivered on that.”

Will Connell, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) director of sport programs, said if the organisers continue to develop the venue at such an impressive rate it will be one of the “best Olympic and Paralympic venues we’ve seen.”

“There are of course areas that need working on, but it was encouraging that these had already been identified by the venue management team,” he commented. “They’re not big things and are easily curable.”

‘Amazing’

Brazilian eventer Ruy Fonseca who won team silver and individual bronze medallist at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games said the venue was one of the best he’s seen.

“I’ve been very impressed with what’s been done, the effort that’s been put into the venue and how amazing it looks already,” he said. “And I’ve heard the same comments from everybody.”

Tim Hadaway, FEI director games & championships, agreed there has been great progress, with the infrastructure completed on time and an “efficient competition delivered” but added: “There is still a lot of work to do to scale the venue up for next year and to ensure the standard of facilities, services and general experience for our human and equine athlete is of a true Olympic standard in 2016.”

‘Excellent footing’

Footing analyst Lars Roepstorff conducted scientific testing on the all-weather surface and concluded the installation has the potential to provide “excellent footing” for next year’s Games.

“But it is vital that the correct maintenance is done over the next 12 months, right up to and during the Games,” he said.

Marcio Jorge and Coronel MCJ were the convincing winners of the Aquece Rio International Horse Trials, the Rio 2016 test event. The Brazilian rider won the gold medal by a huge margin over runner-up Marcio Appel (Cross Rock), with Marcelo Tosi (Glenfly) in bronze.