The Competitors

France is preparing to host top endurance riders in the 2nd CEIO at La Baule, May 8. Endurance riding, which boasts over 6,500 licenses in France, has more than 40,000 license-holders registered in 54 countries. The temperate Brittany coast should offer very good competition conditions, and riders will begin the ride on the beach at low tide at a relatively late morning start (8:30 am), and finish also at the beach.

Winner of the 1st La Baule, CEIO in 2003, Sh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum of the UAE has been a consistent top finisher in European and Middle Eastern endurance rides since he began competition in 1999. Now 23, he was just 19 when he rode to 7th place at the WEC in Compiegne, France, in 2000 on DIANGO, one of two UAE riders to finish in the top 10 in that event. His 2003 Competition Record includes:

  • 2nd /Sh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Challenge riding Henley Farm Azzab (101 km)
  • 2nd/Dubai Endurance City Masters Ride; Crystal Flyer (120 km)
  • 1st at the Final Sh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Challend on Southern Exposure (130 km)
  • 1st at La Baule on Gimini courthouse (160 km)
  • 2nd at the European Championships at Punchestown on Gimini Courthouse (160 km)
  • 1st at the Kuwait (90 km ride) on Henley Farm Azzab
The UAE, with 3 riders in the top 10 World Rankings, will have competition from the French, who will send some of their best riders including Anita David, Sunny Demedy, Jean-Philippe Frances, Emilie Lambert, Barbara Lissarague, Cecile Milleto and Virginie Simon.

Belgium is coming in force with Leonard Liesens to ride his TC Arazi;. Jean-Louis Molitor riding Fidji 3 ; Jean-Louis Deschamps riding Kouros des Iviers ; Karin Boulanger riding Allel ou Celtia d'Havenne ; Annie Mestree riding Takar ; and Maureen Cuisenaire riding Inka. (Pierre Arnould, Chef d'Equipe)

Italy will challenge the field with Enrico Ercoli riding TD Amir El Arab, Fausto Fiorucci riding Harrich El Sheitan, Anglea Origgi riding Jadana, Diana Origgi riding Jasmineh, and Giancarlo Palini, riding Pesca Di Monastero.

2003 Endurance World Rankings.

    1.Maurice Saint, France
    2.Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi, UAE
    3.Penny Toft, Australia
    4.Sunny Demedy, France
    5.Margaret Wade, Australia
    6.Dato Kamruddin bin Abdul Ghani, Malaysia
    7.Sh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE
    8.Jack Begaud, France
    9.Sh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
    10.Cecile Miletto
    11.Leonard Liesens, Bel
    (17)Emilie Lambert
    (27)Barbara Lissargue
[More to Come]