Hair-raising drive-off in final qualifier for World Cup

Spectators of the final qualifying round of the FEI World Cup Driving in Leipzig were treated to thrilling competition as drivers made a last bid to secure their place in the final next month.

Flying start

It was Switzerland’s Jérôme Voutaz who was victorious, fending off tough competition from Boyd Exell and Glenn Geerts.

In the drive-off Boyd got off to a flying start, but picked up five late penalties, to finish on a total score of 287.03 sec. This left the door wide open for the remaining competitors.

Jérôme capitalised on Boyd’s errors, tackling the technical course with ease. He faultlessly flew home in 278.45sec across two rounds, to storm into the lead and secure his place in his third FEI World Cup final.

Electric atmosphere

The atmosphere was electric as Glenn Geerts entered the arena, as he had to place second or higher to make it to the final in Bordeaux.

Glenn put everything on the line, but unfortunately incurred a late five penalities to give him a combined time of 286.91sec. While he hadn’t done enough to take the title, he had beaten Boyd by 0.12sec and gained a place in his first FEI World Cup Driving final.

Stellar line-up

Jérôme, Glenn and Boyd will be joined in the final by Koos De Ronde, Ijsbrand Chardon and his son Bram Chardon. Boyd is making his bid for an eighth World Cup driving title, but with a stellar line-up of medallists and former champions, he faces his toughest challenge yet.

FEI World Cup Driving: Leipzig premieres on 24 January at 8.30pm on Sky 253 and online via H&C Play or Amazon Video. H&C Play subscribers can then watch it on Catch Up.