The Algarve Vilamoura Classic Winter Series has been cancelled, with all five weeks of international showjumping competitions scheduled for late winter and early spring now called off.
The events, which were due to run between February 24 and March 29 at the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, included three weeks of CSI 3*, 1* and Young Horse competitions, followed by a CSI 4* week and a CSI 5* event in the final two weeks of March.
The competitions were due to mark the opening of a completely new equestrian centre, set to put the Algarve on par with the best show jumping destinations in the world.
According to organisers Grandprix Events, the cancellation is the result of “various adverse circumstances” that prevented the ownership group of the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre from completing the necessary administrative procedures and works in time for the venue to open to the public as planned.
Grandprix stressed that the cancellation comes at a time of significant investment aimed at transforming Vilamoura into a world-class equestrian destination. The renovation of the equestrian facilities is being led by Arrow Global, which has committed substantial resources to the project.
“Despite the current situation, the Arrow Global and Grandprix teams continue to work hard and invest heavily in the completion of the renovation of the Vilamoura equestrian facilities,” said Vincent Goehrs, President of Grandprix.
“Arrow Global’s commitment represents a tremendous opportunity for our sport, as well as for the entire international equestrian community and economic stakeholders in the Vilamoura and Algarve region, highlighting the great relevance and positive potential of this project for all involved.
“I would like to offer my sincere apologies to the riders, owners, partners, officials, service providers and everyone involved in the organisation who placed their trust in us and had planned to be in Vilamoura this winter. The project continues and will soon be completed, and we will now focus all our energy on opening the site for the autumn tour,” he added.
