Gijón is preparing to experience one of the most brilliant editions in its equestrian history. From 26 to 31 August, the Las Mestas Municipal Equestrian Centre will host the 82nd edition of the Gijón International Show Jumping Competition (CSI4*), an event that has already generated great anticipation thanks to the participation of top-tier global figures, along with the attraction of 520,000 euros in prize money and the extensive television coverage planned.
The provisional entry list features names that guarantee top-tier entertainment. Among them are Germany's Richard Vogel (world no. 6 and current European champion), France's Julien Épaillard (world no. 12) and the Netherlands' Sanne Thijssen, winner of the 2024 Gijón Grand Prix.
Also featured are renowned riders such as the Saudi Abdullah Alsharbatly, the Irishman Billy Twomey, the German Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, the Austrian Gerfried Puck, the Italian Emanuele Gaudiano, and the Frenchwoman Pénélope Leprevost, team gold medallist at Rio de Janeiro 2016.
One of the most anticipated moments will be the return of the 70-year-old British legend, John Whitaker. With six Olympic appearances, a silver medal in Los Angeles 1984, five World Championship medals and fourteen European medals, his presence will be a living tribute to equestrian sport.
The Spanish delegation will be led by Eduardo Álvarez Aznar (74th in the FEI ranking), Armando Trapote, Iván Serrano, Teresa Blázquez, Kevin González de Zárate and Jesús Garmendia. Asturian riders Julio Arias, Sira Martínez, Pablo Santiago Artime and Carlos López Fanjul will be representing the autonomous community.
The jury will be chaired by Daniel González Álvarez, joined by guest international judge Jacques Boyer and course designer Peter Schumacher.
The CSI4* Gijón will have the backing of sponsors such as Central Lechera Asturiana, Fundación Caja Rural, Lacera, Mahou, Volvo and Coca-Cola, among others. The Grand Prix will bear the hallmark of the Municipal Sports Board of the City Council of Gijón.
The competition can be followed live via RTVE Play and the regional television of the Principality of Asturias, and on a deferred basis on Teledeporte. It will also be available for streaming on the platform ClipMyHorse.TV.
