Amsterdam World Cup Canceled, 4th Western European Qualifier Called Off Due to Covid-19 Resurgence

3 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Amsterdam World Cup Canceled, 4th Western European Qualifier Called Off Due to Covid-19 Resurgence
Isabell Werth on Weihegold OLD winning the third straight World Cup. The pair also captured the 2020 Amsterdam qualifier but were unable to attempt an unprecedented fourth straight title when the Finals in 2020 and 2021 were canceled because of coronavirus. File photo. © Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com

Dec. 20, 2021

The World Cup competition in Amsterdam scheduled for next month has been canceled because of a resurgence in the coronavirus pandemic, the fourth of 11 2021-22 Western European dressage qualifiers to be canceled so far.

The Amsterdam qualifier for the Final in Leipzig, Germany next April was to be the first in Western Europe in 2022–after the final of the annual championship was canceled in 2020 and 2021. There has been no indication that cancellation of the final this year is under consideration.

Qualifiers still on the calendar for 2022 are Neumünster, Germany and Gothenburg, Sweden in February and ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands in March. Events were held this year in Herning, Denmark; Lyon, France; Madrid and London while Stuttgart, Germany; Salzburg, Austria and Mechelen, Belgium were canceled.

“Unfortunately, following the announcement of new and stricter Covid-19 sanitary restrictions,” Jumping Amsterdam said in a statement Monday, “the organization has been left with no choice but to move the 2022 edition, which should have taken place Jan. 27-30 to January 2023.

“This decision is very difficult for us,” said Irene Verheul, Sporting director for Jumping Amsterdam. “The ticket sales have never been better, the hospitality was completely sold out and sponsors have been committed to Jumping Amsterdam for years. It is unbelievable that for the second year in a row, we have to move Jumping Amsterdam.

“Every possible scenario has been discussed, but unfortunately with the current measures and the uncertainty about the period after that, it is simply not possible. Jumping Amsterdam is an event which brings people together and where enjoying top sport comes first. Unfortunately that is currently not possible. A decision that is very, very difficult for us. A major setback for everyone!”