CSIA Madrid 2002 • News • Interviews
Interviews
Thursday 05-30-2002 - Luis Astolfi
Cervera is a master and a fighter

Luis Astolfi is one of the most experienced riders of the National equestrian panorama. He has represented Spain at various European championships, World championships and Olympic Games.
At Los Angeles Olympic Games he achieved the tenth position in individuals.

At Madrid CSI he has won the Copa de S.M. El Rey in three occasions and the Grand Prix once.
Today, in the second class he finished in second position riding "Dandy du Bourg".


Good start for Madrid championship…..

L.A.: Yes, I started very strong and it was OK. Sometimes you do the right thing and sometimes not. During a lot of time I've been leading the class but at the end it was not possible to maintain the first position.

"Dandy du Burg"" is in a very good moment of shape. Only some days ago he won a Grand Prix with other rider and today you have done a very good round with it .

L.A.: Normally when you risk in a test , sometimes you have to pay for it a little bit. Next days we will probably participate at the Grand Prix and at the Copa de S.M. El Rey, the horse will be more limited but we have to try.

 
 

You have just arrived from Germany, you've been riding with the number one of the World ranking, Ludger Beerbaum.

L.A.: I've been living with Ludger during one year, when we were riding with Paul Schokemöhle and he has been always very nice with me. He has done his utmost in order I could be at Jerez, looking for a horse, "Zodiac".
I tried to get an sponsor, but in Spain this is something not very common for the moment and as I could not find sponsorship the owner decided to ride it himself.

You still keep the Jerez perspectives

L.A.: My first plan was to participate at Lucerna CSIO, but as I told you before, the plans changed just last Friday and as I cannot stop competing, I came here to Madrid. I still keep the hope of being in Jerez.

And the possibilities of continuing with "Zodiac"

L.A.: In depends on the owner of course.

Last results of the Spanish team in Gijón, in last Samsung Final and now in La Baule, raises the spirit.

L.A.: La Baule has been a real spectacle, fantastic. On top of these riders we have to take into account Pilar Cordón who is riding very well, Cayetano Martínez de Irujo and Luis Álvarez Cervera who is a master and a fighter and he has a horse with big possibilities although not very experienced. And me that I will try to do my best with the possibilities I'm working on..

Each time it becomes more difficult to be part of the Spanish team.

L.A. ; This is the best that can happen. Perfect would be that in Spain could be 15 good riders and 15 good horses.

¿What is your opinion about Madrid CSI?

L.A: Madrid has very good installations that makes the CSIA a great championship. This year it is taking place during the Lucerne CSIO, which has had some repercussion on the participation.