5 June 2018
Successful second edition of CAI Palmanova
The 2nd International Driving Event in Palmanova with annexed national classes for lower level drivers took place on the first long weekend in June, taking advantage of the National holiday for the anniversary of the Italian Republic. This however caused some shortcoming in the organization backup entirely entrusted to the military since many of them were involved with the celebrations all over the country.
Miha Tavcar
Photo: Ermes Dall’Olio
Altogether 43 drivers went to the start, with the competition judged by President Joaquin Medina (Esp) in co-operation with Andrew Counsell (Gbr) and Nicoletta Milanese (Ita). In the dressage the results were well balanced giving a good hint on the athletes’ progress in their preparation for more important goals.
On a very hot day the marathon along the scenic ramparts was considered rather technical on account of some tight spots but everyone crossed the finish line without mishaps. The cones course was very challenging with only 3 clear rounds in the CAI.
Altogether very good results in the Single class for Cristiano Cividini, ending up first and second closely followed by Luca Cassottana. In the pairs the gap between the experienced Slovenian driver Miha Tavcar and upcoming Italian competitors was evident. In the end Ivano Bavaresco and Giorgo Proietti managed to follow Tavcar on the podium.
Only 2 starters in the Pony Single class where the withdrawal of Ivano Cavina left Giulia Arreghini with an easy victory but still very happy with her performance. A very tight final score in the Pony Pairs for Emilio Gamba and Alessandro Calzavara followed at some distance by Austrian competitor Gerfried Peternell.
The competition was part of the selection process for Italian drivers hoping to take part at the forthcoming European Youth Championships but unfortunately the lack of foreign challengers was only capable of confirming the satisfactory standard of their performance so far. Maybe their next engagement in Lipica will offer a better scenario for enhancing their real qualities on a larger scale.
After the event some carriages representing all the competitors made their way towards the very choreographic main square of Palmanova where prize giving took place with the officials and the city authorities.
Elvezia Ferrari
Cristiano Cividini
Photo: Ermes Dall’Olio
