The French team that will represent the home country at the FEI Nations Cup leg at the 2024 CDIO Compiègne is known. The team was announced after the CDI Fontainebleau and was quite the surprise. But it didn't end there, in another twist today the team was reshaped.
Jean Morel announced in an FFE press release on 28 April that the team for Compiegne would be based on the results achieved in the Grand Prix at the CDI 5* Fontainebleau. He stated: "in agreement with the five riders, it was decided in advance that the classification of the Grand Prix de Fontainebleau would make the selection."
Team Version 1.0
The three highest scoring French riders in the Grand Prix in Fontainebleau were Pauline Basquin (73.543%), Morgan Barbançon (70.435%) and Alexandre Ayache (69.935%).
These three were selected for Compiègne with their horses Sertorias de Rima Z, Habana Libre A and Jolene.
Morel commented on the other two candidates who were in the running for the Nations Cup team (Corentin Pottier, Arnaud Serre): "Corentin rode well, his horse is doing well, but the mistakes were unforgiving and he will continue to work. Arnaud is currently experiencing development issues with James Bond de Massa, which will be resolved in the coming weeks."
Team Version 2.0
However, early this morning Morgan Barbançon dropped out of the team and was replaced by Corentin Pottier.
The French magazine L'Equipe broke the news that Barbancon failed to declare her whereabouts three times for human doping testing and has been suspended for three months. This might compromise her presence at the Olympic Games.
More on Barbançon's suspension click here.
Related Links
Scores: 2024 CDI Fontainebleau
Morel Chooses Surprising French Team for 2023 European Dressage Championships