Drammen, Norway – May 30, 2023 – Following on from a nail-biting North Regional qualifier in Aalborg last weekend, the Longines EEF Series sees not one, but two qualifying legs this weekend.
Momentum is building for the North Region as the back-to-back action sees its second qualifier in consecutive weeks, this time in Drammen, Norway. Eleven teams will be represented at Friday’s Nations Cup , with host nation Norway, battling it out against Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Finland and Denmark for their last chance to gain vital points and qualify for the Longines EEF Series Semi-Final in Deauville later in June.
Denmark are hot favourites on the back of their success in gaining maximum points last week, but can Poland and Lithuania repeat their incredible performances to secure a ticket to Deauville? Aalborg winners USA as well as Ireland, France, Netherlands and Belgium will be fielding teams for the Nations Cup on Friday, but aren’t eligible for points.
Meanwhile, on Sunday the Longines EEF Series travels to Greece for the second Southern Region qualifier – their first point-scoring moment coming at the beginning of the Series in Gorla back in April. Only five of the eligible nations are competing here for their points, with host nation Greece fielding a team once more along with Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Italy.
Top point scorers from Gorla Minore, Team Bulgaria, are tipped to put in another competitive display but reigning Series champions, Italy will be hot on their heels in a bid to take the maximum points home and head into the Semi-finals in top spot.
Don’t forget to catch double the action on both Friday and Sunday this weekend on ClipMyHorse.tv as follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates throughout.
Longines EEF Series Drammen: Friday 2nd June. First round 17.00 (CEST). Second round 19.15. Results on Longines timing.
Longines EEF Series Greece: Sunday 4th June. First round 16.00 (EEST) Results on Longines timing.
Longines; Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, since 1832, Longines watchmakers enjoy an expertise steeped in tradition, elegance and performance. With generations of experience as the official timekeeper for world championships and as partner of international sports federations, Longines has created a strong and long-lasting relationship in the world of sports, over the years. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of Swatch group Ltd., the world’s leading watchmaker. The Longines brand, with its winged hourglass emblem, is established in over 150 countries.
KEP Italia is a producer of riding helmets and was established in 2007, building on the passion of its founders, Lelia Polini and Bianca Collet-Serret. They aimed to research and produce more comfortable, safer and more innovative helmets than the ones currently available on the market, a goal that led them to explore and combine the best solutions in terms of design, technology, materials and safety.
The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is the representative body for the European based National equestrian Federations. Working closely with the Federation Internationale Equestre (FEI) and the National Federations, the EEF works to maximize the potential and development of equestrianism throughout the continent. The EEF is committed to promoting the sport of equestrianism and its good practices, developing the sport across Europe, and providing leadership for a collective European voice in the sport.
The Longines EEF Series is a Nations Cup Competition that is designed to develop horses and riders through consistent exposure to quality events and team format competition, replacing the previously known Division 2 Nations Cup series. Run across 3* and 4*, the events focus on growing the breadth and depth of talent to bring more combinations to the highest level, from all nations in Europe. The EEF strongly believes that we can help safeguard the future of the sport by providing continuous development, which the Longines EEF Series works to provide.
Source: Press Release from EEF – European Equestrian Federation
Photo: © Drammen / Helene Gjerde Aamdal
