World-class line-up for CDIO Lier: Belgium competes at full strength on home soil
The international dressage elite gathers in Lier for a historic edition of the FEI Dressage Nations Cup, hosted on Belgian soil for the very first time from 15 – 18 May! With superstars like Isabell Werth and Charlotte Fry on the entry list, spectators can expect top-level sport and unforgettable moments.
Team Belgium is ready to shine. National coach Jeroen van Lent has selected a powerful quartet: Charlotte Defalque (Botticelli), Domien Michiels (Intermezzo van het Meerdaalhof), Larissa Pauluis (Flambeau), and Justin Verboomen (Zonik Plus). Expectations are high after the Olympic performances of Pauluis and Michiels in Paris and Verboomen’s World Cup Grand Prix win in Mechelen.
Fierce Competition
The competition will be fierce. Germany fields a strong team led by dressage legend Isabell Werth (Superb), alongside Katharina Hemmer (Denoix PCH), Matthias Alexander Rath (Destacado FRH), and Carina Scholz (Soiree d’Amour), who recently competed together in the World Cup Final. The Dutch squad features Thamar Zweistra (Hexagon’s Luxuriouzz) and Olympian Hans Peter Minderhoud (Glock’s Taminiau).
Olympians Galore
There’s even more to enjoy on the start list. Reigning World Champion and 2025 FEI Dressage World Cup winner Charlotte Fry will ride Nespresso in the Nations Cup and bring Everdale for the CDI3*. Sweden arrives in full force with 2024 World Cup Final winner Patrik Kittel (Touchdown), joined by the experienced Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén (Hyatt), Maria von Essen (Invoice), and Malin Wahlkamp Nilsson (Zackson).
Belgium’s Suraya Hendrikx, Sam Verheyden, and Wim Verwimp will also fly the national flag in the CDI3* Grand Prix. CDIO Lier promises a unique blend of world-class dressage and homegrown pride, with Team Belgium ready to fight for top honours.
