Global in Rome: Bucci and Gaudiano's victory closes

Rome, Sunday, September 12, 2021 – The final day of the Five Star CSI in Rome – the first of two held at the Circus Maximus – valid as the twelfth stage of the Longines Global Champions Tour was marked by the excellent performances of Piergiorgio Bucci and Emanuele Gaudiano.

The 1.45 time trial was won by Piergiorgio Bucci aboard Cochello, a victory that was doubly precious. First, because a first-place finish in events of this level and with such competition is always worth a lot; second, because the opponent Piergiorgio Bucci left behind is one who usually looks down on others: Emanuele Gaudiano aboard Carlotta, a pairing that is virtually unbeatable in speed races. Yet today, Bucci and Cochello managed to outperform not only Gaudiano/Carlotta, but also Sweden's Peder Fredricson aboard Christian K, a rider who is currently King Midas: whatever he touches turns into a medal, a trophy, or at least hard cash! The Cochello we saw today was impressive: Piergiorgio Bucci rode him like a champion, constantly seeking top speed, shortening his trajectories by just a few centimeters, and making virtually instantaneous turns. It was, objectively, an unusual and almost surprising spectacle for those who have always watched the gray son of Casall compete in great precision races... without ever imagining him being even faster than Carlotta! The way the two Italians laughed at each other at the awards ceremony made it clear that they both fully understood they had achieved a truly remarkable feat.

But Emanuele Gaudiano wasn't satisfied... In the 1.50m race (which could be considered the... mini Grand Prix of the competition), our rider was the protagonist of a lightning-fast jump-off, opened by Julien Epaillard on Calgary Tame, who, despite being the first to enter, had no comparisons, immediately gave the impression of being literally uncatchable. And indeed, horse after horse, his lead held firm... When it was Emanuele Gaudiano's turn, the crowd went wild: riding the young Nikolaj de Music – already the protagonist of an excellent Grand Prix yesterday – our Italian rider finished faultlessly, just eight tenths of a second behind the Frenchman! In short, it seemed impossible to do better... But in the end, Olympic team gold medalist Henrik von Eckermann took care of it: the Swede, riding Glamour Girl, with his wonderfully raised and forward riding, edged out Epaillard by a hair's breadth... Victory! An extraordinary victory: this is why the Swede celebrated at the end with contagious enthusiasm.

But it doesn't end there: the second CSI of the Longines Global Champions Tour kicks off on Thursday at the Circus Maximus. And there's more excitement and adrenaline to come...

ALL RESULTS
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