Routine missing, medal gone
Riders used to success suffer severe cracks
09/01/2023, 18:07
The pressure is too great: Because the veteran Marcus Ehning suddenly dropped out, the other German show jumpers had to secure the medal at the European Championships. It fails fatally. National coach Otto Becker speaks of a “slap in the neck”.
The German show jumpers left the Ippodromo San Siro in the shadow of the famous football stadium with embarrassed faces. Weakened by Marcus Ehning’s exit, the team missed the gold medal at the European Championships, which was within reach. The team of national coach Otto Becker could not defend the lead gained the day before without their pioneer. Instead of the eighth team gold in the history of the European Championship for Germany, there was only fourth place. The European Championship victory in Milan went to Sweden ahead of Ireland and Austria.
“We have to digest that first,” commented national coach Otto Becker. “Of course we are disappointed, even if there is a reason.” From his point of view, the end of veteran Marcus Ehning could not be compensated. “That was a blow for us,” reported the coach. “That was a crack.”
The competition had started with a shock for the German team from which they never recovered. Marcus Ehning couldn’t ride because his horse Stargold wasn’t really fit. Ehning later appeared composed, but also at a loss. Stargold “was kind of frightened in the box,” reported the experienced rider. Then he rode. “He doesn’t feel sick, but something is,” said Ehning. “I don’t think it’s anything serious. I hope it’s not bad,” added the veteran. “I’m sad, but I had to make this decision with the horse in mind.” The team’s equine physiotherapist diagnosed it as probably a blockage in the back.
Pressure on the other riders
The failure of the Aachen winner increased the pressure on the other team members, because only the best three results of each partial test count for each team, the worst is deleted. After Ehning’s exit, Philipp Weishaupt from Riesenbeck was the involuntary starting rider of the German team with Zineday. However, the 38-year-old, who had been faultless twice until then, conceded a knockdown. The lead the German team achieved on Thursday was gone, the team slipped from first to fourth place.
“Of course, the failure was bitter,” said Weishaupt about Ehning’s exit. “We needed him badly.” But that didn’t make him more nervous. “I just did my thing,” said the 38-year-old. “At that moment you just ride for yourself,” he explained his motto.
Second German couple was Jana Wargers with Limbridge. The rider from Emsdetten, who lives in Belgium, was a disappointment after the brilliant performance the day before. The 32-year-old left the course with eight penalty points. The German team slipped even further, topping the bottom couples of each team in fifth place. “Marcus’ exit was of course a blow for us,” said the rider: “It puts pressure on.”
Chance for individual medal
The stress for Gerrit Nieberg was greatest with Ben. The 31-year-old from Sendenhorst was the only disappointment of the otherwise strong team on the first two days. In his third round in Milan, he improved a lot, but suffered four penalty points and missed the chance to at least secure bronze for Germany. “I would be happier without the mistake,” commented Nieberg. Ehning’s departure put a strain on the team: “There’s no question about that.”
Christian Kukuk, who had a knockdown with Mumbai, has a chance for a medal in the individual competition. The professional from Riesenbeck was not part of the team, but is allowed to start as an individual rider due to new EC regulations. “That was one of our best laps today,” commented the 33-year-old on his third stage in Milan: “The mistake is all the more annoying.” He is now ninth, Weishaupt as the best German is sixth.