ROAD TO ROLEX IJRC TOP 10 FINAL: Martin Fuchs

MARTIN FUCHS (SUI) - 13.07.1992 -

Participation number six in 2024 for Martin Fuchs who, in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final, had his best finishes in 2023 aboard Conner Jei and 2018 on Clooney when he was fifth. Sixth in 2019 with Silver Shine, tenth in 2021 with Chaplin and ninth in 2022 with Conner Jei, the home favourite will enter the arena in the Palexpo as a Rolex Live Contender after his two victories - 2023 and 2024 - in the Rolex Grand Prix of the Csio5* Spruce Meadows ‘Master’ in Calgary.

A Rolex testimonee and one of the favourite of the Swiss public, his riding skills are deep-rooted.

«His connection with the horse is truly amazing, he’s very calm, he doesn’t get nervous. His fundamental skills, which he learned from dressage lessons are very good, which have helped him become the rider he is today». This is the opinion of an exceptional, world-class trainer: his father Thomas. Perhaps a little biased, but certainly justified!

«I was able to follow in the footsteps of my parents (Thomas and Renate) and my uncle (Markus) at an early age. At the beginning of 2020, I was number 1 in the world rankings for the first time in my career. But my plans are still big – I want more» Martin said recently. His appearance in the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final is sure to add further pathos to the prestigious competition.

Martin’s CV already includes three Olympic Games participations (but no medals yet), a team gold medal at the 2010 Youth Games, two at the World Championships (individual silver medal in Tryon in 2018) and five at the European Championships (an individual gold medal in Rotterdam in 2019 and a silver medal in Riesenbeck in 2021, then a team gold in Riesenbeck in 2021, and a bronze in Aachen in 2015 and in Gothenburg in 2017) and the success in the World Cup final in Leipzig in 2022.

What is the moment from last season that you carry in your heart and why?

«The moment I will never forget from the 2024 season is the competition in Paris, at the Olympics, together with my girlfriend Simone. It's a memory we share and it's really special».

What plans do you have for 2025?

«In 2025 my goal is to produce a few more horses for the 5 stars level and be competitive with them. I also want to focus on the Rolex Grand Slam and the Rolex series».

They say the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final in Geneve is special... What is the added value of this competition for you?

«The Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final is my favourite class of the year. Ever since I was a kid I looked up to this class and enjoyed it. I've always wanted to be one of those ten riders. The atmosphere and the setting of the competition make it really special».