Two German vaulters in the lead in the women’s classification

Kathrin Meyer took a deep breath at the perimeter of the circle – her motto was “do everything exactly the same way as at home” – as she became the first German athlete to enter Stadium 3 at the Allianz Park, a venue that had been covered especially for the FEI World Championships. First came the rhythmic clapping, then a powerful chant of “One for all, all for one” rose from the stands. She had the fans’ full backing as she began her compulsory test on her trusted horse, Capitain Claus OLD. A performance her lunger, Gesa Bührig, later described as “one of her best, if not the very best.” With a score of 8.549 points, the 25-year-old initially took a commanding lead in the standings – until it was her teammate Alice Layher’s turn.

The 24-year-old reigning World Cup winner and European silver medallist had travelled to Aachen with the clear intention of “demonstrating what I am capable of” – and she certainly stuck to that promise. But not without first sticking to her rituals: An apple spritzer and three secret words – focus points prior to every competition performance that only her sister, Helen, is familiar with. Then, Alice Layher was “in the zone,” making brilliant use of the stage at the Aachen Soers – “it doesn’t get any bigger than this.” Her compulsory routine was immaculate, executed with absolute precision and elegance; all technical scores were over 9.0. With a total score of 8.788 points, she impressively took the lead – aided by the brilliant performance of her lunger, Daniel Zembrot, who handled FBW Candy, who was initially a little nervous, with great sensitivity.

A French leader in the men’s classification

Having already won Individual Silver at the World Championships twice – in 2022 and 2024 – France’s Quentin Jabet is now aiming for the coveted title at the FEI Vaulting World Championship in Aachen. “I am here to become the World Champion,” the 23-year-old declared unequivocally, despite having endured an extremely turbulent preparation period. “The biggest challenge this year was having to change horses several times,” the Frenchman reported. He was all the more pleased, therefore, with his performance in the Aachen arena aboard the 17-year-old Estado IFCE, lunged by Loic Devedu, which earned them a strong score of 8.698 points. “The horse was very relaxed and cantered well,” said Jabet, praising his partner, whom he has been training with for two months. The KWPN gelding is no stranger to the international stage though: He was the horse that carried Lambert Leclezio to his World Championship title four years ago in Herning. Now, he is set to give Quentin Jabet the chance to follow in his compatriot’s footsteps.

Sam Dos Santos is lying in second place after the first day. “It was a great feeling entering the arena here,” the Dutchman raved, admiring the impressive setting of Stadium 3. “My horse was relaxed, and so was I. Of course, there is always something that could go even better, but I am very satisfied with our performance today,” said the 20-year-old, happy with his routine on the back of the KWPN gelding Hero, who was lunged by Santos’s sister, Emy. Germany’s Bela Lehnen, competing with the 15-year-old grey Max and lunged by Sarah Krauss, rounded off the top three in the Prize of Sparkasse on a score of 8.375 points.

Germany is the overnight leader in the squad classification

The German squad is once again proving to be a sure bet at the World Championships. Right from the start of the FEI Vaulting World Championship, the athletes in black, red and gold impressively underscored their status among the world elite. Competing aboard Ecuador NRW, lunged by Alexandra Knauff, the six-member team delivered a very strong compulsory test with an overall score of 8.075 points, which gave them a comfortable lead. “We had goosebumps even before entering the arena – the atmosphere is simply unique,” said Bela Lehnen, summing up the feelings of his teammates Gianna Ronca, Philip Goroncy, Larina Herpertz, Yara Jolie Scheel and Fabio Ring. “Finishing in the lead on the first day in front of our home crowd is something very special. Now, we are really looking forward to performing our freestyle routine on Saturday.” The German squad’s closest challengers are currently Austria on 7.748 points and France on 7.688 points.

Would you like to experience the unique atmosphere of the FEI Vaulting World Championship yourself. Then, secure your tickets now via the online shop, from the ticket hotline on +49-241-9171111, or via the office of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.