1 November 2024

Koos de Ronde wins Indoor Friesland

There were seven Four-in-Hand drivers present at Indoor Friesland (NED) on Thursday evening, including the world's best drivers! From all over the country, driving enthusiasts were present.

That the differences within the top are small was again clearly visible. Bram Chardon, Boyd Exell and Koos de Ronde, the top three of the evening, finished just over two points apart. For Boyd Exell, a ball fell in the first round but he managed to set the fastest time. Glenn Geerts, Bram Chardon and Koos de Ronde also dropped a ball in the second round but Boyd Exell just could not afford his dropped ball in the second round. As a result, he had to settle for second place allowing Koos de Ronde to lead the lap of honour.

Bram Chardon finished third with 2.26 penalty points more than Koos de Ronde. Fourth place went to Glenn Geerts.

Koos de Ronde wins Indoor Friesland
Photo: DigiShots

Try-out

After last year’s try-out, the participants present had put Indoor Friesland on their calendar early in the season. They were enthusiastic about the quality of the competition and the chance to let the northern region (and the rest) of the Netherlands enjoy the beautiful sport.

Marie de Ronde, wife and groom of winner Koos de Ronde, watched the prize-giving ceremony and the wildly enthusiastic audience on Thursday evening with a smile. “What a great evening this was! Last year was already fantastic. There was euphoria here about the desire to bring a World Cup competition to Indoor Friesland. I had a lot of contact with Yvonne van Bergen about this. However, the FEI did not cooperate, so Indoor Friesland decided to put the same concept as last year back on the programme. If then the top four in the world are here, that says a lot.”

“In addition, this evening was good promotion for both the driving sport and Indoor Friesland. Level 4 course designer Johan Jacobs built a good course, the top of the world was there and the footing was excellent. As an organisation, you can’t wish for much more. Boyd was favourite beforehand, but it always has to happen in the competition ring. I also think it’s great that the organisation is giving a local driver like Anne Okkema the chance to drive here.’

Click here for all results

Source: Indoor Friesland

Boyd Exell at Indoor Friesland
Photo: DigiShots