Norway’s Geir Gulliksen grabs glory

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Norwegian stalwart, Geir Gulliksen, one of the most popullar characters in the sport, claimed his first-ever Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ victory in the dramatic 14th and last qualifier of the 2019/2020 Western European League in Gothenburg, Sweden today.

Just five horse-and-rider combinations made the cut into the edge-of-the-seat jump-off against the clock, and, second to go, the 60-year-old set the standard when crossing the line clear in 45.75 seconds with his 14-year-old bay gelding VDL Groep Quatro.

And despite their best efforts he couldn’t be caught, the biggest threat coming from the final rider into the ring, 22-year-old Bryan Balsiger from Switzerland who produced the only other double-clear of the competition with Twentytwo Des Biches to slot into second place in 46.45 seconds.

French star Kevin Staut lined up in third with the quickest four-fault round from For Joy van’t Zorgvliet HDC and with the points they collected for their top placings today both Gulliksen and Balsiger will join the 2016 Olympic gold medallist at the Longines 2020 Final in Las Vegas, USA in April.

Adding an extra buzz to the already-exciting occasion, Gulliksen took a spill from his horse during the prizegiving but bounced back to his feet and left with a great big smile.

Courtesy of Louise Parkes, FEI