THEY CONCLUDED...
Sunday 9 may 2004 - 23:00
Mr. Rene Pasquier (President of the
Officials of France)
"The eighteenth edition of the CSIO of France has finished.
With a little sadness, as usual, because everyone returns home.
I will go on to other grounds to observe the facilities in order
to improve the François André stadium even more
and create a performance tool without defects. The addition of
endurance to jumping has been an excellent innovation and the
combination of the two disciplines within the same event can only
be a ‘plus’ for this annual event, and to witness
the cohabitation of the greatest riders of showjumping and endurance
shows still further the sporting vocation that the area has established.
The 2004 CEIO was almost one without fault, in fact, the riders
appreciated the circuit with its visual richness that they are
demanding the same one for next year. It is a very flattering
compliment".
M.Yves Métaireau (Mayor of
La Baule, President of Cap Atlantique)
"I was very happy to see the passion of the public, rewarded
by the presence of the best riders in the world. The François
André stadium is a beautiful heritage and it was necessary
to recover its value. The bet undertaken seems to have been won
and does nothing but consolidate the ambitions of the area in
terms of their investment in equestrian sport. To again organize
a major event like the European Showjumping Championship of 1991?
It suffices to find a good weekend, a date compatible with the
availability of the hotel park, the sponsors. That requires a
lot of advance planning, but why not …?”
Christophe Fagault (responsible
for the layout of the CEIO circuit)
"Compared to last year, the second loop was lengthened
by 20 kilometres and the third loop presented a new layout. One
tried to limit the tarmac sections, some further improvements
must be made, but it is necessary to salute the eight communes
traversed, for their efforts in providing installions and maintenance,
in particular for their mowing the sides of the roads. This second
edition was more successful than the first, but not as good as
the next one.”