The United States Equestrian Federation has announced that the CDI's in Roosendaal, Compiegne and Rotterdam have been selected as the European Rio Olympic team selection events for the eight long-listed American combinations that will be invited to a Euro-tour.
"Approximately eight (8) combinations will be invited to compete in at least two designated European Observation Events. Rotterdam (NED) CDIO5*/3* will be required as the final European Observation Event for all combinations. Athletes will have the choice of Compiegne and/or Roosendaal," the USEF formulated.
The CDIO 5* Compiegne takes place on 19 - 22 May 2016, the CDI 5* Roosendaal is scheduled for 1 - 5 June 2016 and the CDIO * Rotterdam takes place on 22 - 26 June 2016.
If a European Observation Event is found unsuitable for selection purposes following the publication of the FEI Definite Schedule, the Chef d’Equipe, in consultation with the Selectors, may recommend an additional European Observation Event or may recommend athletes for their designated European Observation Events.
The long listed combinations for the American Olympic team will stay at Rob van Puijenbroek's brood farm De Begijnhoeve in Retie, Belgium, as European training base.
The final U.S. team selection will be done on or before the USOC Final Entry, July 1, 2016. It is anticipated that athlete/horse combinations named to the team and the reserve position will travel directly from Europe to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
More information about the European observation trials here.
Photo © Sue Stickle
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