Olympic green light for reduced eventing format

EVENTING is to be retained as an Olympic discipline, based on the reduced format proposed

An internal IOC report had recommended dropping the sport, citing, in particular, the cost factor and the amount of land required. However, the FEI countered with a suggestion that Olympic eventing be run in line with the present CIC World Cup formula.

The new format will be introduced in 2004 at Athens and then Beijing in 2008. It will include two days of dressage, followed by a shorter cross-country phase (no road and track and no steeplechase) and a show jumping test, with the best 25 riders progressing to a second round to decide the individual medals.