From Riesenbeck to Milan, passing through Rome. There is a common thread that links these great Jumping events, and it is in the hands of Andre Thieme. The reigning European champion, having taken the continental title in Riesenbeck in 2021, the German rider recently scored in the historic Rome Grand Prix in Piazza di Siena, still riding DSP Chakaria, and at this point he could come back as protagonist of the 2023 European Championship, which will take place at the Ippodromo Snai San Siro from August 30th to September 3rd.
«Our team leader Otto Becker would like me to participate in the European Championship in Milan, after the individual gold and team silver win in 2021. Of course, we will have to see if, in the end, I will be part of the team, as Germany has many top-level riders, each of whom deserves to have a chance in the European Championship. With Chakaria, my long-term goal certainly remains the Paris 2024 Olympics».
While waiting for future developments, the 48-year-old Thieme cherishes the memory of the European feat of two years ago in Riesenbeck.
«Conquering the title has undoubtedly been the pinnacle of my competitive career so far. Like the Olympic one, the European competition is particularly demanding. The satisfaction of having won the gold medal competing in Germany, in front of my public, has no equal: it is one of those dreams that you have always carried with you and that repays you for every effort and sacrifice».
Thieme in Piazza di Siena was in his absolute Italian debut.
«I had never competed before, in Italy. And in the case also in Milan for me it will be a first time»
