After a top round by Tokyo Olympic champion Julia Krajewski and, according to national coach Peter Thomsen, a “brilliant performance” by three-time Olympic champion Michael Jung, the German eventing riders initially took second place behind Great Britain after dressage at the World Championships in Italy.
The 40-year-old eventing rider Jung from Horb showed a strong dressage with Chipmunk and only received 18.8 penalty points before the last 15 starters had to go into the arena. “That was great”commented the 2010 individual world champion.
Krajewski pleased with Amande de B’Neville
Although her 26 points do not mean an absolute top result, Julia Krajewski was satisfied with the performance of her successful horse Amande de B’Neville. “She can’t do dressage much better”said the 33-year-old, who, as a former Bundeswehr sports soldier, is competing in uniform at the World Cup: “I got permission for that.”
The day before, Germany had started the World Championships with two rather moderate dressage results. Christoph Wahler with Carjatan and ex-world champion Sandra Auffarth with Viamant du Matz had to line up further behind than expected after mistakes.
Cross-country ride on Saturday “very demanding”
On Saturday, on the Pratoni del Vivaro plateau, where Olympic medals were awarded in 1960, there is a 5,600 m long cross-country ride. Krajewski named the hilly course “very challenging”Jung announced the site on Friday night “to go out again in peace”. After the cross-country ride on Saturday, the decision will be made in jumping on Sunday.