What to Expect from the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025
- Bella Fricker
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The countdown to the Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 has begun, and excitement is building among endurance riders. After a 24-year gap, the championship is returning to Castiglione del Lago in Umbria, Italy—a beautiful location that’s sure to provide an unforgettable backdrop for this world-class event. Let’s dive into what riders, teams, and spectators can look forward to at this prestigious competition.
A Familiar Yet Challenging Venue
Castiglione del Lago, situated on the southwest corner of Lake Trasimeno in central Italy, is famous for its stunning views and hilly terrain. The area offers a mix of open landscapes, forests, and charming villages, all of which will provide a true test for both horse and rider. The event will be held at the Former Eleuteri Airport, a venue that’s equipped with the necessary space and facilities for the event’s logistics.
This venue previously hosted the European Championships in 2021, where the Italian team took home both individual and team gold, while GBR’s Beccy Broughton-Booker earned an impressive 7th place finish. With the 2025 championship returning to Castiglione del Lago, competitors will be familiar with its distinctive challenges and opportunities.
Format and Terrain: What Riders Can Expect
The Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 will feature a demanding 160 km race, split across multiple stages. The hilly terrain and the potential for warm June weather will make this race both physically and mentally tough for both horses and riders. The course will wind through Castiglione del Lago’s beautiful landscapes, passing through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and natural wonders.
The 2023 CEI3* 160km was won by the famous Italian, Costanza LALISCIA (ITA) riding PERSEVERANCIA ESCONDIDO at a speed of 17.87kmph. There were just 17 entries in the class of which 9 finished – so a respectable pass rate of 53%. The average speed of completion was 16.2kmph.
In 2024, they hosted the official test event CEI3* 160km which also had an appealing 20,000 euros of prize money. Despite this, there were still low entry numbers with just 15 riders in the class. The winner was once again Costanza LALISCIA (ITA) riding ZAGARA DI CHIA at a speed of 17.1kmph. This time there were just 6 finishers with an average completion speed of 16.8kmph.
Programme and Key Dates
The Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 will take place from 18-22 June, with the race itself scheduled for 21 June. Here’s a sneak peek at the key dates leading up to the big day:
19 June: The Opening Ceremony will be a grand celebration, featuring a parade of athletes through the historic centre of Castiglione del Lago, accompanied by the Police Cavalry Band. It’s a wonderful chance for riders to soak up the atmosphere and get ready for the excitement.
20 June: The Press Conference will highlight the importance of the event and provide media coverage for the competition. It’s a great opportunity for endurance riders to see how the event is promoted and organised.
21 June: The European Championship day is when the 160km endurance competition will take place. It’s the moment for athletes to put their months & years of preparation to the test.
22 June: The Closing Ceremony and Awards will celebrate the victors, both individual and team, and remind us all of the communal spirit of the sport.
Weather and Climate Considerations
Endurance riders should also be mindful of the weather. June in Umbria is typically warm and pleasant, with daytime highs averaging around 26°C (79°F) and nighttime lows around 13°C (55°F). However, while this might be ideal for spectators and tourists, it poses challenges for horses. Riders will need to monitor hydration levels carefully and have strategies in place to manage heat stress, as the warm weather can be especially tough on those used to cooler climates.
The relative humidity in June is about 71%, so riders should definitely be prepared for the warm conditions.
A World-Class Event
The Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 is shaping up to be a world-class event, thanks to the collaboration between Italia Endurance ASD, FISE (Federazione Italiana Sport Equestri), and the Municipality of Castiglione del Lago. This event is a key milestone for Italy, which has ambitions of hosting the FEI Endurance World Championship in 2028.
For endurance riders, this is a chance to compete at the highest level in a stunning location known for its beauty and tough terrain. As the deadline for nominated entries approaches on 14 May 2025, it’s time for riders to make their final preparations for what promises to be one of the most exciting events in European endurance riding.
Factfile: Key Details for Endurance Riders
Event: Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025
Location: Castiglione del Lago, Umbria, Italy
Dates: 18-22 June 2025
Race Distance: 160 km
Weather: Average temperatures 26°C (79°F) during the day, 13°C (55°F) at night, with 71% humidity
Notable Event Winners: Costanza Laliscía (ITA), 2019 European Champion
Nominated Entries Deadline: 14 May 2025 for nominated entries
Final Thoughts
The Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 is set to be an exhilarating and challenging event for endurance riders. Whether you're a competitor gearing up for the race or a spectator excited to witness elite endurance riding, the return of this prestigious championship to Castiglione del Lago is a moment to celebrate. Best of luck to all the riders as they prepare for what will surely be an unforgettable championship!
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