A thrilling afternoon unfolded in the iconic oval of Piazza di Siena as 10 national teams took to the arena for the CSIO5* Nations Cup Intesa Sanpaolo — a two-round competition at 1.60m, counting also as a qualifier for the Rolex Gran Premio Roma.
The first round was closely contested, with USA, France, and Germany all finishing on 4 faults, while the Netherlands followed with 8, and Italy earned a spot in the second round with 12 faults, cheered on by their home crowd. Only the top eight teams progressed, with Argentina and the United Arab Emirates eliminated after round one.
The second round added even more drama as USA and France went head-to-head in a tight and emotional battle. Across both rounds, only a handful of riders managed to jump double clear, underlining the technical challenge of the course and the pressure of Nations Cup competition. Among them were (FRA) Nina Mallevaey with Nikita vd Bisschop, (USA) Lillie Keenan aboard Kick On, (NED) Kim Emmen riding Imagine N.O.P, and (FRA) Antoine Ermann with Floyd des Prés — all delivering outstanding consistency for their nations.
As the final round unfolded, the tension reached its peak. (FRA) Kevin Staut, last to go for France, entered the ring with the pressure of a nation on his shoulders, but unfortunately collected 12 faults, opening the door for the Americans.
McLain Ward, anchoring Team USA with Ilex Hbf, had already jumped clear in the first round. With everything on the line, he returned to the ring — and once again delivered an immaculate clear round, securing both the team victory and his own double clear performance. A masterclass under pressure.
Podium :
🇺🇸 Team USA, led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, claimed victory with a total of 4 faults over the two rounds:
Laura Kraut – Bisquetta 4-4
Lillie Keenan – Kick On 0-0
Karl Cook – Caracole de La Roque 4-0
McLain Ward – Imperial Hbf 0-0
🇫🇷 Team France, Chef d’Equipe : Edouard Couperie, composed of:
Nina Mallevaey – Nikita vd Bisschop 0-0
Olivier Perreau – GL events Dorai d’Aiguille 4-4
Antoine Erwan – Floyd des Apres 0-0
Kevin Staut – Visconti du Telman 4-12
secured second place, finishing on a total of 8 faults.
The host nation 🇮🇹 Italy completed the podium with a solid team effort and the crowd’s full support, Chef d’Equipe : Marco Bergomi :
Giacomo Casadei – Marbella du Chabli 4-4
Emanuele Gaudiano – Chalou’sLove PS 14-8
Paolo Paini – Casal Dorato 8-0
Giulia Martinengo Marquet – Delta del’Isle 0-4
The Nations Cup Intesa Sanpaolo once again delivered elite sport, passion, and tension until the very last jump — setting the perfect tone ahead of Sunday’s Rolex Gran Premio Roma.
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