At Mercedes-CSI – first time rated among Rolex FEI World Cup™, most of the world's elite in showjumping will participate. 13 of the top 20 riders, world ranking list, will compete in the Hallenstadion from Jan 22 to Jan 25. The organizers will once again present a brilliant show of the best horse entertainment worldwide.

The 21st Mercedes-CSI will once again exhibit the highest standard of participants. Amongst them, will be Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, the current number 2 and FEI Rolex World Cup winner. CSI-Co-President Rolf Theiler informs: “We are extremely proud to have the best starting list ever at Mercedes-CSI.”

Competing with Michaels-Beerbaum, Marcus Ehning (GER, 3), Edwina Alexander (AUS, 4), Ludger Beerbaum (GER, 5), Jessica Kürten (IRL, 7) and Michael Robert (FRA, 8), 6 of the top ten world ranking list. 48 equestrians from 20 different countries will participate in this year’s Mercedes-CSI. Rolf Theiler adds: "Every country is represented by the best equestrians“. This year Michael Whitaker (GB) and 66 years old Hugo Simon (AUT)crowd pleasers at Mercedes-CSI are once again part of the event.

Due to its sporty renown and economic importance, Mercedes-CSI has arrived where it belongs, at the very top of the world’s show jumping events. It will be the first time that Zurich will be part of Rolex FEI World Cup™. CHF 1 million prize-money, makes Mercedes-CSI the most sought after indoor show jumping event in the world and Mr. Theiler informs: „This is not natural in these financially difficult times, but due to a strong partnerships with our sponsors the Mercedes-CSI is safe until further notice”.

Swiss Double Lead
On Sunday suspense is guaranteed at the main event of Mercedes-CSI – Rolex FEI World Cup™. After 8 of 13 competitions 2 Swiss equestrians, Steve Guerdat and Daniel Etter are in the lead for the World Cup. “For us this is a stroke of luck” informs Rolf Theiler.

Steve Guerdat is unfortunately not able to start this year. Last December the current leader had to undergo spine surgery due to persistent pain. “I am very disappointed not to be being able to participate at this year’s Mercedes-CSI”. Beat Mändli will move up and participate at the main challenge. Beat Mändli was the winner of the world cup final in Las Vegas in 2007. With Markus Fuchs he is the only Swiss world cup winner.

Beat Mändli & Daniel Etter are amongst 8 other Swiss equestrians (Niklaus Schurtenberger (Lyss BE), Pius Schwizer (Oensingen SO), Christina Liebherr (Riaz FR), Markus Fuchs (St. Josefen SG), Clarissa Crotta (Giubiasco TI), Jane Richard (Evilard BE), Walter Gabathuler (Wallbach AG) und Werner Muff (Wangen ZH) at Mercedes-CSI. In addition Manfred Müller (Wängi TG), Philipp Züger (Galgenen SZ), Nadine Traber (Eich LU), Tina Pol (Steinhausen ZG), Martin Fuchs (Bietenholz ZH), Janika Sprunger (Bubendorf BL) have also been invited to Mercedes-CSI.

The Wegelin Challenge offers the possibility for young Swiss riders to compete against the best equestrians in the world. “In 2008 this challenge added great excitement to the athletes as well as the audience.” informs Co-President Urs Theiler. On Saturday evening (6.30 pm) Jean-Maurice Brahier (Corminboeuf FR), Alexandra Fricker (Schöfflisdorf ZH), Janika Sprunger (Bubendorf BL), Philipp Züger (Galgenen SZ), Martin Fuchs (Bietenholz ZH), Stefanie Lauber (Seuzach ZH), Deborah Lazzarotto (Lossy FR), Jennifer Meylan (Yvonand VD), Ariane Muff (Vordemwald AG) und Anina Züger (Galgenen SZ) will fight against the world's top 10.

The best horse entertainment of the World
The entertainment will be one of the highlights of Mercedes-CSI. “It's our passion. We live for being able to offer great entertainment to inspire and delight the audience” informs Co-President Oliver Hoener, responsible for the artistic side of the event. The horse will be in the limelight. Very special dressage, breathtaking carriage and humorous acts will entertain the audience.

Jean-Marc Imbert will be one of this year’s attractions at Mercedes-CSI showing dressage and acrobatics. The new French star, Arnaud Gilette will send excitement through ones veins!. He will present a breathtaking dressage with his powerful „Percheron“ stallion Felous. Since 20 years Jean-Francois Pignon have mesmerised the audience worldwide. His performance epitomizes poetry, gentleness and emotion. "This unique relationship with his animals makes an immense impression, not only on riders, but also on horse enthusiasts all over the world“ praises Oliver Hoener.

Riding the ponies during breaks
Cony Sutter and Peter Pfaendler, stars of the Swiss comedy scene will lead us through this program. These two performers are well known in the field of comedy. With a refreshing presentation and a lot of fun they will create some exciting confusion.

A special attraction with children, our young audience: During the breaks, children will be able to ride the ponies in the arena of Hallenstadion. “Many people do not have the possibility to experience the relationship between horse and human. Riding the ponies offers this opportunity informs Urs Theiler.

Gratifiyng advance selling
"10% more advanced selling compared to the anniversary CSI in 2008”! explains Co-President Reto Caviezel. In most of the categories tickets are available at box office at Hallenstadion phone: +41 44 316 7788. Entrance for children under 16, free of charge (standing place).

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