“There is no other place comparable to Aachen” – said Ingmar de Vos, President of the International Equestrian Federation, the FEI. Together with the organisers and the national coach of the German jumping team, Otto Becker, he presented the FEI European Championships Aachen 2015 during a press conference.

Five disciplines at one location – that is the unique concept of the European Championships, which will be staged at the traditional

showgrounds at the Aachen Soers from August 11^th-23^rd. Around one third of the available tickets have already been sold, but “the good news is that tickets are still available for all days and all disciplines,” reported the General Manager of the Aachener Reitturnier GmbH, Michael Mronz. And Michael Mronz also had another piece of good news: A new three-year contract has been signed with Turkish Airlines, one of the four Top Level Sponsors of the event. Mronz also presented a host of digital projects, which will turn the European Championships into one of the most modern sports events ever. Among others a virtual flight over the showgrounds has been developed.

The grounds are being converted for the five disciplines of the European Championships. For example, a temporary roof is being installed over the Deutsche Bank Stadium – where the vaulting and reining competitions are taking place. A sand dressage arena has already been set up in the Main Stadium, which holds 40,000 spectators, so that the dressage competitions can be staged there. “Dressage competitions against this magnificent backdrop – it is going to be a unique experience,” commented Frank Kemperman, Chairman of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV), organisers of the event. The show-jumpers are already well familiar with the impressive backdrop: “The setting, the stadium, the expert crowd – that is what makes Aachen so special,” said Otto Becker, national coach of the German jumping team. He encouraged his athletes, explaining that even those riders, who are currently not part of the A-squad, still have good chances of being able to compete in Aachen in August. He added that their aim is of course to claim a medal, but that this is going to be a very difficult task.

The ALRV President, Carl Meulenbergh, emphasised the special atmosphere: “The entire region is contributing towards the European Championships. In addition to top sport, the spectators will experience unforgettable days at the Soers.” Which, according to Ingmar de Vos, is just one of the reason why “these European Championships in Aachen are going to have a multiplying effect. They will further increase the popularity of the equestrian sport.”

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