France claims eventing team gold after nail-biting final

France has moved up from bronze medal position after cross-country to claim team gold in the eventing competition in Rio.

Drawn third last to go, Astier Nicolas boosted the French team’s medal chances with a beautiful clear round on Piaf De B’Neville. Next into the arena, Michael Jung duly produced a clear for Germany on the ever-reliable Sam, but cross-country leader Christopher Burton had two fences down on Santano II, dropping himself and the Australian team down to bronze medal position.

With Astier’s team mates Mathieu Lemoine finishing in ninth on Bart L, and Thibaut Vallette in 14th on Qing Du Briot, the French moved up two places to take the gold medal.

“There was a lot of pressure going into this, and really I just had to do what I could for the team,” said Astier Nicolas. “But even though there was a lot of pressure, I didn’t let it bother me. I really enjoyed my round and I am very happy. It’s just fantastic. It is an immense pleasure to be part of this team that has won gold for France. It is something we have waited for for a long time, and it’s amazing.”

Germany also went up from fourth to take team silver, after superb clears from all three remaining members of their team – Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Sandra Auffarth.

New Zealand, who had seemed likely to claim gold at one point, saw their hopes dashed when Mark Todd had an unexpected 16 jumping faults on Leonidas II. They dropped below Australia, off the medal podium.

After a disappointing day yesterday, Team GB hit form today. All four riders – William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Gemma Tattersall and Kitty King left every pole up, though Tattersall did collect four time pen. It meant the team moved up from eighth place to finish fifth.

The individual showjumping begins shortly.