Starting Order Revealed for the Longines EEF Series Final

05. Sep 2025 / Category: Press Release

Longines EEF Series Final 2025 Avenches

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Avenches, Switzerland, as the starting order was revealed tonight for the Longines EEF Series Nations Cup Final 2025.

Ten nations will go head-to-head on Sunday, 7 September at the world-class IENA venue, with Team Italy leading the way as the first to enter the arena. The draw, conducted by Show Director Edwin Smits, produced the following order:

  1. Italy
  2. Spain
  3. Austria
  4. Germany
  5. Norway
  6. Switzerland
  7. Belgium
  8. Netherlands
  9. Sweden
  10. France

Now in its fifth edition, the Final comes to Switzerland for the first time, hosted at the impressive 142-hectare IENA Avenches, a proven international stage, having previously hosted the 2021 FEI Eventing European Championships.

Italy will open the competition, but team manager Mario Verheyden is approaching the challenge with calm confidence. “We will be first in the starting order, but I am not worried, because we have a really good team. I actually prefer this to going last — no surprises, and we hope to set an example for everyone. Yesterday’s storm made things difficult, but the arena held up so well and showed its quality. We are really happy to be here.”

Hosts Switzerland will ride out in sixth, and for team manager Peter van der Waaij, the position strikes a good balance. “It’s a middle spot, which gives us the chance to see a couple of riders before we start. Whether you go first or last, you have to give everything, but of course as the host nation we feel more pressure. On the other hand, our riders have really treated this like their championship. They’ve worked hard towards this goal, and I am confident they are well prepared. It’s pressure, yes, but it’s also pressure we want to enjoy.”

For Belgium, drawn seventh, the order gives time to plan and strategise. Team manager Filip Lacus said: “It’s a good draw for us. This is the first time in Avenches and it’s a beautiful venue with everything the horses need. We’ve had a very good year, with both experienced riders and new combinations. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going until the end — it will be interesting to see how it plays out.”

France drew tenth in the order, a position that manager Olivier Guillon believes is a real advantage. “Starting tenth gives us a clear idea of how to ride the course. We have experienced riders, and the atmosphere here is amazing — professional yet welcoming, with plenty of space for horses and riders. Following yesterday’s storm the organisers did an exceptional job. Even though we rode later under lights, everything ran smoothly. Quite frankly, there is something really special about Avenches, and the riders love it here.”

The 2025 Final promises to deliver sport at its very highest level. The ten teams will battle it out across two rounds to decide who will be crowned champions of this year’s Longines EEF Series.

The action begins at 11:00am local time on Sunday, 7 September.

Where to Watch and Follow

Watch the all the live action on ClipMyHorse.TV, the official livestream partner of the Longines EEF Series.

Full results and startlists can be viewed here.

For the latest updates, team announcements, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the 2025 Longines EEF Series, follow the Longines EEF Series website and the European Equestrian Federation. Join the conversation on the Longines EEF Series social media on Instagram and Facebook.

For further information on the series final check out the official website of the Longines EEF Series Final Avenches 2025 and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Download the Longines EEF Series press kit here

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