FALSTERBO, Sweden--Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden on Steely Dan won the first Rolex Grand Prix qualifier, a speed class, on Thursday, July 10 in Falsterbo.
Henrik von Eckermann celebrates Perfect conditions prevailed for the first qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix at a competition that has attracted one of the strongest lineups in the series' history, with five of the world’s top 10 ranked riders competing.
Von Eckerman finished clean in 60.45,just .45 ahead of Spencer Smith on Hhs Seattle, who also was clean in 60.90, and Kent Farrington on Myla was third, clean in 61.37.
"Steely Dan is careful and with a heart of gold," said von Eckermann, currently ranked world number three. “The feeling is great, especially winning on home soil.”
The Rolex Grand Prix will be held on Sunday, July 13 at 8 a.m. Eastern.
Riders must qualify through two 1.50m speed classes – today’s qualifier and another on Saturday – with the top 50 earning a place in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix, a CSIO*, 1.60m competition.
Each qualifier carries a purse of €28,200 and is run as a single round speed competition with no jump-off.
The Nations Cup,with nine nations competing, is Friday morning at 8 a.m. Eastern.
