The final day of the Longines Paris Eiffel Jumping and Longines Global Champions Tour of Paris 2026 concluded with Luxembourg’s Victor Bettendorf securing a memorable victory in the CSI5* 1.55m Eiffel Challenge presented by Région Ile-De-France.
Eiffel Challenge 2026 Results
Riding the talented Encore Toi du Linon, Bettendorf produced a faultless performance in front of a packed crowd at the iconic venue near the Eiffel Tower. The pair overcame a demanding track and a world-class field to take one of the biggest wins of the weekend.
Victor Bettendorf wins Eiffel Challenge 2026 after a stunning jump-off performance.
The Luxembourg rider described the moment as a special achievement, having spent six years living in France. He said competing in Paris carries a unique meaning, with the setting offering one of the most recognisable arenas in the sport.
“Winning here in one of the most iconic arenas in our sport is incredibly special,” Bettendorf said after the victory.
The atmosphere throughout the event was electric, with riders, owners, grooms and teams sharing in the occasion as the French capital hosted another major international show jumping fixture.
The opening round proved a serious test for the 47 combinations entered, with the technical course creating challenges for even the most experienced partnerships. Several leading names were unable to reach the jump-off after mistakes or retirements.
Among those missing out were Kim Emmen with Quando van het Hellehof, who finished the round with 12 faults, while Bertram Allen aboard Danger 76 and Jérôme Guery with Remus de Mariposa retired. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann and Vivario JL Z also failed to secure a place in the final round.
The margins were incredibly fine, with Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels riding Oaky Flandria and French contender Alexa Ferrer with Vitalhorse Fleur d’Oz both missing qualification after collecting a single time fault.
Sixteen combinations eventually advanced to the jump-off, creating a strong final contest featuring riders such as Max KĂĽhner, Nicola Philippaerts, Peder Fredricson and Lillie Keenan.
Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt set the early pace with Lady Concern du Rezidal, completing a clear round in 39.43 seconds. Shortly afterwards, Henrik von Eckermann and Hylanderhof’s Saruschka lowered the benchmark further with another impressive clear in 39.26 seconds.
Bettendorf, one of the final riders to enter the arena, remained calm under pressure. Encore Toi du Linon delivered a precise and fast clear round, stopping the clock at 39.00 seconds to move into first place.
The final challenge came from home favourite Olivier Perreau, who entered the arena with strong support from the crowd. Despite a determined effort, Perreau could not surpass Bettendorf’s winning time.
The result added another major achievement to Bettendorf’s growing reputation on the international stage and provided a fitting conclusion to a memorable Paris weekend.
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