The temperature stayed around 35 degrees in the shade in the Versailles palace park. No wonder the sweat was dripping from the Swedes' faces long after the riders.
It was a bit chilly out there. Maybe you should have had a winter jacket out there, jokes Kittel.
He and Touchdown rode as the last pair, reached 74,139 percent and qualified for Sunday's individual final.
Spectators gave up
But by day, the stands were empty.
In the beginning, it was full, but people simply couldn't handle the heat. It gets too hot for them.
Overall, the results were low.
The heat has absolutely affected. This is warmer than it was in Tokyo, but we rode in the evening, so it can't be compared. The heat affects the riders, especially, says national team captain Bo Jenå.
Before the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021, there was a lot of talk about the heat that could strike. It hasn't been like that before Paris.
No, but the SOK has warned us. That's why we had ice and water ready. We were prepared, but 35 degrees is very hot, says Jenå.
"Drunk a lot"
First out in the qualification for teams and individuals was Ramel. She didn't let herself be affected by the conditions that prevailed.
I've drunk a lot. You know it's going to be very hot and don't suffer from it in advance.
You think mostly about the horses not getting too hot, that you don't get overheated. But he handled it well.
He is Buriel. At 18, Ramel is doing her third consecutive Olympic Games.
Together, they got 71,553 percent. What it means for the team and in the individual qualification remains to be seen, but most likely she will miss Sunday's individual final.
I made some mistakes in the transitions. It gets expensive, but I must say that this is my third start this year and he feels very good. I'm super happy with him.
Therese Nilshagen and Dante compete on Wednesday.
Wednesday:
The Grand Prix class concludes with, among others, Sweden's Therese Nilshagen on Dante. The top ten teams reach the team final. 18 riders qualify for the individual Olympic class.
Saturday:
The team final is decided in a GP Special. All three results in the teams count. The results in the qualification do not count.
Sunday:
Individual final decided in a GP kür, the free program. Patrik Kittel is clear for the final.
