Will Peder break the curse?

Thursday evenings first international jumping class in Gothenburg seemed for a long time to be heading Sweden's way. But the class isn’t over until the last rider has finished. 

The last to go was Frenchman Kevin Staut on New Libero One d’Asschaut, who narrowly beat Peder Fredricson by just under three-tenths of a second – something he apologized to the audience for. 
"I’m sorry for taking the victory from you but also grateful for how supportive and engaged you are," Kevin Staut said during the prize ceremony. 

Peder Fredricson, who rode Hansson WL, would have prefered if the Frenchman were a bit slower. 
"Of course, it would have been more fun to win," said Peder Fredricson. 

The highlight of the weekend is, of course, the World Cup Final, which is the main reason why so many of the world's top riders have gathered in Gothenburg. Equirating, the equestrian sport’s own analytics system, has calculated that 40-42 points will likely be needed to qualify for the World Cup Final in Basel. Peder Fredricson currently has 24 points. A World Cup victory would, therefore, be valuable in more ways than one. The Olympic team champion, European, and World Championship gold medalist is still missing a World Cup win in his trophy cabinet. 

Peder however, takes one step at a time and doesn’t put himself under too much pressure. He has not yet decided whether it will be the 15-year-old Alcarpone des Carmille or the remarkable 19-year-old Catch Me Not who will start in the main class. 
"The points are not something I’m thinking about now. If I have enough points to qualify after this weekend, then I’ll go, otherwise not," said Peder Fredricson. 

The first class provided a feel for the competition. 
"It’s a fantastic audience, a well-organized event, and it’s great fun to be here," said Peder. 

Standings – Western European League