The gardens of the Palace of Versailles are being prepared to welcome Olympic jockeys and tens of thousands of visitors when the equestrian and modern pentathlon events take place at this summer's Paris Games.
Temporary facilities, including bleachers, have been constructed throughout the park, and up to 40,000 people are expected to take part in the cross-country portion of the event.
The main arena houses dressage and show jumping and can accommodate over 16,000 seated spectators. Located at one end of the Grand Canal, the largest basin in the park, it offers great views of the palace, once home to Louis his XIV and Marie his Antoinette.
“It is a real opportunity to host an event like this in such a great and iconic venue. We feel very honored and respected,” said Anne Mulac, Head of Versailles at the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. he said.
Temporary air-conditioned stables have not yet been built on the west side of the park. A nearby track with both grass and sand surfaces is already in place for horses to warm up before competition.
In addition, a 5-kilometer (3-mile) cross-country course has been carefully prepared, Mulak said.
“We are excavating the ground very deep to put in sand and drainage so that we can ensure the stability of the cross-country track and guarantee the safety of horses and riders,” she said.
A pontoon bridge tested last summer will allow horses to cross the Grand Canal while cross-country.
Several water obstacles are prepared. One of the new ponds is in the shape of a noble lily, or fleur de lis, a symbol of the French monarchy. Horses also dip into the fountain's circular basin, which has not been filled with water for over 40 years.
“We wanted to be able to fully integrate sports and culture and promote French tradition,” said Mulak.
The five modern pentathlon events (swimming, fencing, horseback riding, running and shooting) will also be held in the gardens of Versailles.
Château de Versailles president Christophe Leriveau said the location would provide a “fantastic framework” for horse trials. “Horses feature prominently in palace iconography, including paintings, sculptures and fountains,” he says. “So it's a great meeting of this old tradition and modern sport.”
According to organizers, after the Olympic and Paralympic Games are over, all temporary facilities will be removed, the soil will be completely returned to its original position, and the grass will be replanted to preserve its former appearance.
The palace itself will be open to the public during the Games.
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