Switzerland fourth after the first round of the Range Rover Nations Cup

The first round of the Range Rover Nations Cup of Switzerland, held over obstacles up to 160 cm high in the Gründenmoos stadium, lived up to its billing. Counting towards the Longines World Ranking and serving as a qualifier both for the Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland and for the 2026 World Championships, the class saw eight of the ten competing nations qualify for the second round.

Belgium sits on top of the provisional standings with just 4 penalties, ahead of Great Britain (6 penalties). Three nations follow on 8 penalties and are separated by their combined time: the USA (216.29 s), Switzerland (216.35 s) and Austria (217.42 s). Germany and Ireland follow on 12 penalties apiece, ahead of Brazil (20 penalties). France (25 penalties) and Spain (28 penalties), ninth and tenth, are out and will not take part in the second round.

The four Swiss riders in detail

First to go for the Swiss team, Martin Fuchs and Lorde picked up 8 penalties in 72.21 seconds. This score, the highest of the Swiss quartet, will be dropped, as only the three best results per team are counted.

Jason Smith responded in style, producing the team's only clear round aboard Picobello van't Roosakker in 71.93 seconds.

Alain Jufer and Dante MM lowered only a single rail, finishing on 4 penalties in 72.55 seconds.

Steve Guerdat closed out the Swiss effort with Albfuehren's Iashin Sitte. A rail fell at the very first obstacle of the course, but he still completed his round on 4 penalties – in the team's fastest time of 71.87 seconds.

With a total of 8 penalties (0 + 4 + 4) for a combined time of 216.35 seconds, Switzerland heads into the second round in fourth place, ideally placed to chase the podium in front of their home crowd.

Provisional standings:

1. Belgium – 4 penalties
2. Great Britain – 6 penalties
3. USA – 8 penalties (216.29 s)
3. Switzerland – 8 penalties (216.35 s)
3. Austria – 8 penalties (217.42 s)
6. Germany – 12 penalties
6. Ireland – 12 penalties
8. Brazil – 20 penalties
9. France – 25 penalties (out)
10. Spain – 28 penalties (out)