(CHIO Rotterdam) – CHIO Rotterdam announced that the CDIO5* Grand Prix Dressage, due to overwhelming interest by Grand Prix riders and Nations teams, is extended to 2 days, Wednesday June 20^th and Thursday June 21^st. Teams from The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden and Great Britain applied in an early stage for the Nations Cup in Rotterdam. By extending the programme, teams for Spain, Finland and Switzerland are also able to compete. In addition to these Nations teams another 20 individual international competitors will ride in the CDI3* Grand Prix.

“Rotterdam will be a sneak preview of the battle for the Olympic medals,” says Laurens van Lieren, Sports Director Dressage at CHIO Rotterdam. “Most chef d’equipes and riders are aware this is their very last chance to be selected for London. It will be an interesting competition with top riders such as Laura Bechtolsheimer, Patrick Kittel and of course reigning European Champion Adelinde Cornelissen.

Part I of the Grand Prix for the CDIO5* will take place on Wednesday from 12.00 to 14.00 hrs and part II on Thursday from 8.30 to 13.30 in the Rotterdam Arena. On Wednesday morning, before part I of the Nations Cup, the CDI3* is presented in the main arena while at the same time Dutch Para-equestrian riders will try to qualify for the Paralympics in the Interchem Stadium.

About CHIO Rotterdam

For the last 63 years the CHIO Rotterdam has been presenting a varied equestrian programme including international show jumping and dressage at the highest level. Apart from equestrian top sports CHIO Rotterdam offers shows, national competitions and top entertainment. CHIO Rotterdam will take place from June 20th until June 24th at the spherical location in the Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam. Rabobank Rotterdam is the main sponsor of CHIO Rotterdam.