Quotes: "We truly need events like this"

Quotes after the first leg of the Longines EEF Series 2021

The winning French team:

 Edouard Couperie – Chef d’Equipe, France

Thanks to Longines and to the European Equestrian Federation for initiating this circuit. We truly need events like this, open to promising youngsters and upcoming riders. I am really happy to be here and thank Emanuele Fiorelli, too, for having organised this wonderful CSIO. I am obviously happy about my team's victory, especially since two team members and all four horses were making their debut in the Nations Cup. A great performance!

Aurelien Leroy

For me and my horse this was our first Nations Cup. It's the second time I've competed in Italy and here at Gorla Minore I experienced some pretty strong emotions. Concluding our debut with a victory was simply fantastic.

Olivier Robert

Today was a truly special day -- not only because of our win but also because, after this difficult year, we were able to compete again in the Nations Cup, which for us riders is the best event. Obviously I am so happy to be here. Our whole team has had a wonderful sporting day and even though there was no public we experienced strong emotions. Let's hope things continue this way.

Sebastien Duplant

For me this was a truly important day.  My horse and I managed to put on a good performance thinking, above all, of the future. I want to thank Edouard, our Chef d'Equipe, who selected a fantastic team. I am really moved by our win. Thank you to all.

Marie Demonte

Today was certainly a special day for my horse Vega who didn't touch a single obstacle in either of the two rounds. Thanks to the whole team, made up of good friends, and to Edouard. We spent some lovely days together here in Italy. This is the most important thing, I believe: having an understanding in a team is fundamental and it's even more important with the coach who guides us. Edouard is a very calm person who transmits his ideas about riding very clearly and we all follow his suggestions with total trust. This is ideally suited to my personal character. We all need to gain experience in team events to improve and the EEF circuit is vital for this. We will never forget this day.

Image: Marie Demonte @F.Petroni