Dutch four-timers beat world title, IJsbrand Chardon’s silver medal

The Dutch quad drivers won the Nations Cup gold at the World Championships in Italy. The team consisted of father and son IJsbrand, Bram Chardon and Koos de Ronde. With a total of 313.93 penalty points, the formation ended above Germany (second) and Belgium (third).

The single gold passed the Netherlands in Pratone del Vivaro. For the sixth time, that medal went to Australian Boyd Exell, who beat out eternal rival IJsbrand Chardon. Excel scored 156.06 penalty points after the dressage, marathon and skills test. 61-year-old Chardon signed for 159.82 penalty points. The Dutchman climbed from third to second across the final segment.

His son Bram (165.92), who won the last part, finished fourth off the podium. Koos de Ronde ended up seventh in the standings with 175.09 points after a somewhat lower skill test.

The Netherlands took the world title from the United States in teams. Four years ago, the Dutch squad took second place behind the Americans. At that event, father and son Chardon and de Rond had to dispense with medals in the individual competition.