Belgian born German Jan Bemelmans has retired as Spanish team trainer. In mutual agreement the Spanish Equestrian Federation and Bemelmans decided not to renew his contract.
After fifteen years on the job as Spanish team coach, Bemelmans wanted to explore new professional challenges in his career.
With Bemelmans on the sideline, Spain has reached the highest levels of success in dressage so far. The Spanish team riders collected three silver medals and five bronze medals at international championships. Beatriz Ferrer-Salat's Olympic individual bronze and Spanish team silver at the 2004 Games in Athens were the highlight.
"Jan thought it was a good moment to change after 15 years," Spanish chef d'equipe and dressage committee chair Bobby Fernandez de Bobadilla told Eurodressage. "He has done an incredible job winning seven medals. We will all miss him very much."
The Spanish Equestrian Federation is already planning for the next Olympics and is looking into appointing a new team trainer as well as redefining his or her function. However, the search for a coach has not yet begun, according to de Bobadilla
"Eventually we will have a new coach," she explained. "We have not talked with anyone."
Photo © Astrid Appels
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