With 45 nations and 20 qualifiers in four regions all around the world, the 106th FEI Nations Cup is bigger then ever.
Global format
Since Furusiyya took over the title sponsorship in 2012, the competition has followed a new, more global format. The series now sees eight qualifying legs in Europe division one and two, three in the North America, Central America & Caribbean region, and one event in the Middle East.
A total of 18 teams – plus the home team if not qualified – will go forward to compete at the final in Barcelona (24 – 27 September 2015).
Top division
Britain remains in Europe division one after narrowly missing relegation last year. Di Lampard takes over as performance manager on 1 March, so this will be her first opportunity to “re-ignite the fire” in the British camp.
Joining Britain in division one are Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.Each nation must attend four allocated events, in order to gain points, but they can compete at any of the qualifiers.
Preparation for Rio
Di told H&C she will ensure the strongest teams are fielded for the competitions that count, but intends to use the other qualifiers as training for up-and-coming riders.
“We have to keep eye on young riders coming through, and make their pathway to senior teams accessible,” she said. “There are some fantastic shows in the Nations Cup, so it will be great to add some of them to the team, along with the more experienced riders who will be there to help and guide them.”
There will be five nations competing for points at each of the eight legs. The top seven teams go through to the final, which was won last year by the Netherlands.
Britain’s scoring qualifiers are in Rome, Rotterdam, Switzerland, Hickstead and Dublin.
“It is paramount we stay in division one, so we get to compete in the best international team competitions, as this is our preparation for Rio,” said Di.
Division one calendar
Lummen, Belgium, 1 May:France, Belgium, Italy, Sweden and Ireland
La Baule, France, 14–16 May:France, the Netherlands,Belgium, Ireland and Spain
Piazza di Siena, Rome, 23 May:Italy,Britain,the Netherlands, Sweden and Spain
St Gallen, Switzerland, 4–6 June:Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland
Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 17–21 June:the Netherlands, Britain, France, Sweden and Germany
Falsterbo, Sweden, 11 July:Sweden, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland
Hickstead, UK, 31 July:Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy andSwitzerland
Dublin, Ireland, 8 August:Ireland,Spain, Britain, Switzerland and Italy