Roberto Previtali, Aikaterini Laskaridi, and Athanasia-Maria Kyriakopoulou, who attended the Press Point of the IPPOS SPRING TOUR, spoke to the media representatives about their successful careers in equestrian sports, their future competition goals, and the excellent impressions they have gained from their presence at the Ippos Club.
The three equestrian champions shared their thoughts and dreams with journalists and media representatives gathered in Nea Raidestos, Thessaloniki, during the second week of the IPPOS SPRING TOUR 2024. The event features 150 athletes from 14 countries with 240 horses, competing for significant points in the world rankings and prize money totaling 174,000 euros.
Italian rider Roberto Previtali, who dominated the first four days of the competition by winning the top three categories with three different horses (Hachiko, Come on Semilly, and Esteban de Hus), including the LR Grand Prix with 1.45m obstacles, emphasized:
“I knew this event was being held at a new equestrian facility by people who want to create something very good, which is why I came with my three best horses. I found everything here beautiful. Especially the race course, which is the most important element for us and our horses, is excellent. Some of the best I’ve encountered internationally, with very good sand quality and the right level of moisture.”
Regarding the impressions he will convey to his compatriots, the 31-year-old champion said, “Many people have already asked me, and of course, I tell them the best things. At least 80% of what we have encountered here is fantastic; I am very satisfied, and this is what I say to those interested in learning more about the facilities and the competition.”
Finally, when asked about the riders he admires the most, Previtali replied that: “It is difficult to choose because there are so many strong athletes… However, I would say the Swiss Steve Guerdat among active athletes and the German Ludger Beerbaum, who has since retired.”
The 29-year-old Kaiti Laskaridi, a member of the National team with international distinctions, highlighted her experience participating in the IPPOS SPRING TOUR:
“Congratulations to the entire team that has set up these competitions. Everything works excellently, and it is very important for the athletes and the horses to have such good conditions. This is a new effort, still at the beginning, but there is already tremendous improvement from last year. It is on a very good path to reaching the best international competitions.
„Of course, I will be here in October for the IPPOS AUTUMN TOUR, and for any other competition held at the Ippos Club in the future. The existence of such a facility helps both the athlete and the horse a lot because it adds something new. It allows you to see new images, new things, and escape the monotony of daily preparation in the same place.
„In last week’s Grand Prix, I did not achieve the result I wanted, I did not achieve the flawless course I aimed for, but it was a very good experience for me, and we continue. My horses and I are in very good shape, and I expect that we will have a successful presence in this four-day competition.”
Answering questions from the attending media, she admitted that the success of Ioli Mytilinaiou, who will represent Greek equestrian sports at the Paris Olympic Games, is an example to follow: “Ioli is a childhood friend of mine, we went to school together, I am very proud of her, and she motivates all of us.”
She also referred to the relationship between rider and horse, following a related question: “The competitive result is shaped together by the rider and the horse. You need to have a good feeling with the horse, which understands everything that happens to you. It perceives everything; when you are anxious, it understands immediately.”
From her side, the 24-year-old Mariansi Kyriakopoulou, who through the IPPOS SPRING TOUR was able to participate for the first time in a ranking class competition giving points in the world rankings, stated: “Equestrian sports are an integral part of my life, they are my daily routine. This was the competition I had set as my main goal from the beginning of the year. For the first time, I compete in such high categories, and I am very happy that I can do it here, in my country, in these fantastic facilities that do not lag behind those abroad. Now, it is absolutely worth coming to Thessaloniki for competitions,” said the rising athlete.
Referring to participating in competitions riding other owners’ horses, which is not common in Greek standards, Kyriakopoulou emphasized: “You need some time to bond with a new horse. The relationship with each horse is different. That’s why I always try to find a point to bond and have good cooperation, because the bond between athlete and horse is what will give us something extra.”
Present at the Press Point was also the Event Manager of the organization, Christina Mavrofrydi, who mentioned among other things: “We have heard particularly positive comments from the athletes of the 14 countries participating. Everyone is setting a date for our next competition. The incentive for the athletes here, besides the opportunity to earn points in the world rankings and high prize money, is also the excellent infrastructures we have. Even with rainy weather, the competitions continued without any problem, because our racetracks have the best sand quality. It is very important for the athletes and the horse owners to know that they will compete for a victory without their horses being at any risk.”
