Second loop: 27 kilometer (16.8 mile) red route, vetgate Vaals. The riders head out southwest from the vetgate at Vaals crossing immediately into Belgium for a few kilometers. This heavily wooded route takes them first over the northern tip of the Preuss Wald. After a short distance they cross back into Germany and circle the famous Aachener Wald forest which skirts the southern tip of the city of Aachen. Riders will see their crews twice on this section at road crossings near Ronheide and Kopfchen.
Third loop: 33 kilometer (20.5 mile) blue route, vetgate Vaals. The longest loop of the day is likely to be contested by riders in the middle of the field at the hottest part of the day. This Belgian section of the route takes riders across the wooded Preuss Wald towards the small town of Kelmis (La Calamine). The first of two crew points on this section is in the forest close to the village of Chapelle. The route then winds out into the Belgian countryside taking riders south through the village of Montzen where there is a water point. Riders next see their crews shortly after the village of Plombieres as they wind back to the vetgate at Vaals. There is some road work on this route crosses and recrosses the N608 in the approach to the vetgate. Back up into the hills, the track follows the border between Belgium and The Netherlands for approximately 10 kilometers.
Fourth loop: 27 kilometer (16.8 mile) red route, vetgate Vaals. Riders retrace their steps through the Aachener Wald. The familiarity with this section could help many horses at this stage, especially those that are traveling alone.
Fifth loop: 28 kilometer (17.4 mile) green route, vetgate Soers/Aachen. The green loop runs back alongside the first yellow route. The early part of the section is twisting and wooded before riders break out into open countryside. There are two crew points on this route, the first in the middle of Holsetterbos in The Netherlands. Riders then begin their descent towards the German border and circle north of Aachen. Their crews will be waiting for them at the point where the route passes back under the main A76 road before riders return to the venue on the northern edge of Aachen.
Sixth loop: 16 kilometer (9.9 mile) orange route, vetgate Soers/Aachen. Undoubtedly the nicest section of the 160 kilometer route, this takes riders over the track for the three-day eventing competition. The going will be good here and this final loop could prove decisive with those front-runners whose horses have conserved their energy for a fast sprint for the line. For riders in the middle and end of the ride this will also be an exciting finale to the competition with team placings being decided in many cases by the finishing position of the second and third-placed riders.
There will be four riders per team with the best three scores counted. The French team will be looking to repeat its victory at the 2002 WEG in Jerez with Jean-Louis Leclerc, Virginie Atger, Phillippe Tomas, Cecile Miletto and Philippe Benoit working hard to secure the title.
Italy, the current world champions, should present a strong challenge. Australia has a good record of traveling well and enjoying success in Europe and took the world championship title at Compiegne, France, in 2000.
The UAE, yet to win a team world championship, will be looking to build upon individual successes in recent years. Sheikh Mohammed has listed reigning world champion Georgat, whom he purchased from French rider Barbara Lissarague, as his possible ride.
Belgium, winners of last year's European team and individual titles led home by Kristel Van Den Abeele with Chanice du Tilleul, will be among the favorites for top medals. Van Den Abeele has a new ride for the championships, Ismael du Florival.
The Netherlands, again on home territory, will be hoping to build upon their bronze medal at the FEI European Championships at Punchestown in 2003.
The Americans, who have an impeccable team and individual record going back to the early world championships, will be led this year by double world champion Valerie Kanavy who takes on the role of chef d'equipe for the first time.
Watch EquiSearch.com for in-depth coverage by Nancy Jaffer of the 2006 WEG endurance competition on August 21.
