The Grand Complet, scheduled for August 13-16, 2020 at the iconic site of the Haras national du Pin (Orne, Normandy) will offer a sports program identical to previous years. Five international classes will punctuate the four days of competition. The Grand Complet will also serve as a support for the Grand National FFE circuit reserved for French riders. On the organisational side, Ustica, the organising association, has chosen to open access to visitors at a rate of 1000 per day. Finally, SOLIDARITY will be even more at the heart of the event’s concerns with support from the local branch of the French foodbank Restos du Coeur.
Sport at the heart
The only international eventing competition in Normandy is to welcome several hundred participants from the five scheduled classes: CCI2*-S, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-S, CCI3*-L and CCIO4*-S. From the short 2-star level (2*-S) to the 4-star short (4*-S) level, Le Grand Complet offers a wide range of difficulties for riders, amateurs or professionals. The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has also entrusted Ustica for the 4th consecutive time with the organisation of a FEI Nations Cup stage (CCIO4*-S), an event at the end of which two rankings will be established, one individual, the other by teams. France is the title holder (3 wins in a row!).
New for 2020: the CCIO4*-S event supports the Grand National FFE circuit. This means that a separate ranking will be established at the end of this class, taking into account exclusively the French riders involved on this circuit.
The event also returns to a format Thursday / Sunday (against Thursday / Tuesday), more concentrated and allowing spectators to attend cross-country events Saturday AND Sunday.
As every year, Le Grand Complet will also support the FFE Top 7 circuit reserved for 7-year-old horses and the Eventing Tour, a circuit that brings together the most important French eventing competitions.
A solidarity edition and a limited ticket office
“Ustica was keen to maintain Le Grand Complet in order to allow professionals in the equine sector to enhance their horses and meet the needs of breeders and owners,” explains Valérie Moulin, president of the association.
The Grand Complet will thus welcome up to 1000 people per day maximum (Thursday to Sunday) according to current health standards. These tickets will be accessible online and exclusively online ticket booking (LINK: CLICK HERE).
No ticket offices will be open on site. Visitors will be required to wear a mask (especially in high-traffic areas such as water complexes during cross-country tests) and respect the protective measures. As such, hydroalcoholic gel will be available at various locations on the site.
The Grand Complet has also decided to strengthen its involvement with charities. “We have been doing this every year since the event was created,” says Valérie Moulin. “This year, given the unprecedented period we are all going through, we wanted to take a step forward in terms of solidarity.”
Thus, Le Grand Complet will support the Norman branch of the French food bank Restos du Coeur, working with the most needy, even during this summer.
The single entry fee will be 8 euros on Saturday and Sunday, the two days of cross-country (free admission on Thursday and Friday), of which 2 euros will be donated to the Restos du Coeur. Ustica will also offer the association the opportunity to raise awareness of its cause.
On the practical side
Exclusively take-out food outlets will be set up to allow visitors and participants alike to eat. Two food trucks – Zito Burger and Au Vert Festin – will be installed at the top of the Hautbois park (formerly the location of the panoramic restaurant) and small Norman producers will reinforce this offer on Saturday and Sunday (grills, sandwiches, etc.).