Dramatic gold discovery, thrilling revelries, and brief moments of suspense in an exhibition of variety

Title: Felix Etzel Thrills Crowds in Neck-and-Neck Race Against Michael Jung at International Pfingstturnier

By: Volker Watschounek

Michael Jung, four-time Olympic champion, narrowly missed a seventh victory at the PfingstTurnier in Wiesbaden. Instead, it was 31-year-old Felix Etzel who clutchingly emerged victorious onboard TSF Polartanz. A margin of only 0.8 penalties, equivalent to three seconds, separated the pair in an intense competition.

"I could feel the difference with that final jump," said Etzel, "It was insane – this atmosphere, this closeness. It was surreal." Jung himself remained gracious in defeat, commending fischerSolution for carrying him despite it being only his second four-star competition.

The Next Generation Rises

The new German U25 Eventing Champion is Brandon Schäfer-Gehrau, who managed to secure the title despite a bumpy cross-country defined by two refusals at a water jump, lost stirrups, and an anxious ride through the water. Silver went to Leonard Brüssau, another promising talent in the equestrian scene.

A Beacon for German Eventing

U25 National Coach Andreas Dibowski outlined future plans focused on strengthening German eventing by cultivating a U25 European Championship, a World Championship, and a dedicated squad. The aim is to build on the success in Wiesbaden and continue the growth of the sport.

Albert Schäfer from the hosting Wiesbaden Riding and Driving Club shared his optimism for the future, citing the enthusiasm of the 10,000 spectators as a testament to the right direction.

A Lifetime of Dedication Rewarded

For his lifetime dedication to equestrian sports, Professor Dr. Bernd Heicke was presented with the German Rider's Cross in Gold. He primarily gained recognition for his connection to the U25 Eventing Support Prize and his support reaching Olympic heights since 2012. "I was taken aback – I never expected this," expressed Heicke, "My hope is that what I started continues."

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Eventing at its Best

Wiesbaden remains a stage where equestrian sports are not merely competed, but lived, showcasing the essence of what eventing truly stands for.

Read more about the Biebrich district here.

For more information on the International Pfingstturnier Wiesbaden, visit www.pfingstturnier.org.

[1]: Longines Equiwity[2]: Dressage Daily

Additional Information

Event Details: The International Pfingstturnier, part of the Longines Pfingstturnier, attracts top-level eventing riders worldwide, contributing to the sport's prestige and growth in Germany.
Impact on German Eventing: Important opportunities for younger riders to gain experience and recognition, essential for the development of future eventing stars in Germany.
Professor Heicke's Gold Rider's Cross: While specific details are not given, Professor Heicke's Gold Rider's Cross recognizes his long-term support and commitment to equestrian sports, including the U25 Eventing Support Prize.

www.pfingstturnier.org.

Felix Etzel's victory at the International Pfingstturnier was a thrilling neck-and-neck race against Michael Jung in the world of horse-racing, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of sports.
As the new German U25 Eventing Champion, Brandon Schäfer-Gehrau demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges during the cross-country course, illustrating the rising talent in racing.

Dramatic gold discovery, thrilling revelries, and brief moments of suspense in an exhibition of variety