Who Wins in Lyon? Swiss Stars Headline Star-Studded Field
Who to keep an eye on in the third Western-European World Cup leg in Lyon this afternoon?
The Eurexpo arena crackles with anticipation as Swiss Olympic medallists Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat headline today's Lyon World Cup qualifier. Fuchs seeks a historic fourth Lyon victory with the dominant Leone Jei, while Olympic silver medallist Guerdat leads a field packed with talent. Defending champion Gregory Wathelet, German sensation Richard Vogel, and World Cup veteran Lorenzo De Luca, on his milestone 50th qualifier start, ensure this latest chapter of Lyon's rich jumping history will be nothing short of spectacular.
SWISS SHOWDOWN
The powerhouse Swiss duo of Martin Fuchs and Steve Guerdat headline the Lyon World Cup qualifier. Fuchs brings the form, Guerdat brings the medals, but who will take the spoils?
Martin Fuchs’ Leone Jei and Steve Guerdat’s Dynamix De Belheme have clashed seven times at the top level in 2024. Leone Jei has come out ahead on six occasions. The one exception was Dynamix De Belheme’s individual silver medal at the Paris Olympics. According to the EquiRatings Jumping Prediction Centre, Leone Jei slightly has the upper-hand today. This combination has more experience and is more proven in a jump-off situation than Dynamix de Belheme
LYON LEGENDS
Home favourites Simon Delestre and Kevin Staut have taken valuable World Cup points out of Lyon, but no one can match the strike rate of Martin Fuchs.
Martin Fuchs has taken 75pts out of the Lyon World Cup Qualifier in just five appearances since 2010. This includes three consecutive wins in 2018, 2019 and 2021, the 2020 leg being canceled due to Covid-19.
Simon Delestre has taken the most points from this leg in the same time frame. His tally is 79pts but this comes from 11 appearances compared to only 5 from Fuchs. Delestre won this leg in 2017.
Kevin Staut is the third most successful rider in terms of World Cup points with 74 from 12 appearances. He has made six jump-offs in this time (50%) but didn’t win the Lyon leg on any of those six occasions.
BELGIUM’S BEST
Defending champ, Gregory Wathelet, could face his strongest opposition from teammates Pieter Devos and Gilles Thomas, both riding two of the most exciting young horses in the sport.
Defending champions Gregory Wathelet and Bond Jamesbond De Hay won the Oslo World Cup leg two weeks ago and are obvious contenders, but their 2024 clear rate at the higher levels of 44% is eclipsed by two fellow countrymen.
Pieter Devos brings Casual DV Z, the nine-year-old that was the highest rated in the world for much of 2024 and has jumped 14 clears from 24 rounds (58%) this season.
Gilles Thomas brings the highly regarded 10-year-old stallion, Ermitage Kalone, who has jumped 11 clears from 16 rounds (69%) in 2024 and is amongst the most clinical horses at the top level of the sport.
THE FEARED FIRST-TIMER
Hero of the Longines League of Nations final, Richard Vogel, will jump his first ever Lyon World Cup qualifier. But history says he could well win it.
Richard Vogel has only jumped in two five-star Western European League World Cup qualifiers, but his record is quite exceptional. He finished second in the 2023 Leipzig qualifier on Looping Luna and subsequently won the 2022 Stuttgart qualifier with today’s mount, United Touch S.
The young German rider is making waves in the sport and adding a third podium in only his third Western European League qualifier would be no surprise. If he makes the jump-off and jumps clear, then United Touch S, known for his huge stride, has never been beaten on speed at 160 level.
LUCKY NUMBER 50 FOR DE LUCA
Italian star Lorenzo De Luca is looking to claim his first ever World Cup qualifier win at his 50th attempt this week in Lyon.
With a five-star 160 win already under their belt this season in the LGCT Grand Prix of Valkenswaard, and numerous top 5 finishes at the highest level, Lorenzo De Luca has shown incredible form with the upwardly mobile Denver De Talma. But despite a vast array of top level career wins, De Luca is yet to top the podium in a World Cup qualifier from his 49 previous attempts.
While that first win will be sweet wherever it comes, De Luca’s next stop after Lyon will likely be the next World Cup leg in Verona. Winning on his milestone 50th appearance this weekend, or saving it for his home crowd on the next leg, it is only a matter of time before Lorenzo De Luca performs a lap of honour at a World Cup qualifier.
