It took 78 years. Seventy-eight long years before Mexico once again lifted the Rome Nations Cup trophy. In the ever-unreal setting of Piazza di Siena, the Mexican riders reconnected with a story that had almost become legend, defeating Germany in a jump-off. A victory that feels both like time’s revenge and the promise of an ambitious summer ahead.

Rome, stage for a historic return

Just beyond the rows of cypress trees lining Villa Borghese, the grandstands were packed and the Roman sun was doing its part to elevate the spectacle. The rest came from the riders.

After two rounds of relentless intensity, Mexico and Germany found themselves tied. On one side stood a remarkably solid Mexican team. On the other, a German squad that had battled back thanks to double clear rounds from Sophie Hinners aboard Iron Dames Combella and Jörne Sprehe with Toys. Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella (discover our article on the mare here hereand Jörne Sprehe with Toys.

The verdict would come down to a jump-off.

And that’s when Patricio Pasquel picked up his paintbrush.

Partnering Chakkaloup PS, the Mexican rider delivered the clear round that was needed exactly when it was needed. Behind him, Richard Vogel looked capable of keeping the suspense alive. Until a fault at the final fence. The kind of detail that turns a good day into a historic one.

Mexico could finally celebrate.

An achievement with olympic echoes

This victory is more than just a sporting success. It carries a very particular scent.

To find the last Mexican triumph in Rome’s Nations Cup, you have to go all the way back to 1948. Another era. Almost another planet.

That year, Humberto Mariles, Rubén Uriza and Alberto Ramos not only won in Rome, they went on to claim Olympic gold, both individually and as a team. Nothing less.

The comparison is inevitably flattering for the current generation.

Carlos Hank Guerreiro and H5 Shaq Attack were flawless with two clear rounds. Fernando Martinez Sommer and Joep matched the feat. Andres Azcarraga and Contendros 2 played their part in the perfect opening round. And Pasquel, as it turned out, provided the finishing signature.

A collective masterpiece completed with an individual flourish.

Mark Laskin already looking ahead

In the Mexican camp, it was difficult to contain the excitement.

Canadian chef d’équipe Mark Laskin made no effort to hide his delight after the prize-giving ceremony.

« I’m not just satisfied, I’m over the moon ” he said, praising his riders’ ability to stay focused on their own objective despite the pressure.

More tellingly, the team manager immediately shifted his gaze toward the World Championships in Aachen.

A detail that speaks volumes.

Because beyond the emotion of the moment, Mexico now appears convinced it can compete with the world’s very best nations. And its Roman performance provides some very compelling evidence.

Behind them, the European battle

Great Britain completed the podium on a final score of 4/4, while Italy finished fourth in front of its home crowd.

The Azzurri will take particular encouragement from the second-round performances of Giacomo Casadei with Marbella du Chablis and Giampiero Garofalo with Querido van ’t Ruytershofboth of whom delivered faultless rounds.

This Roman Saturday was dressed in green, white, and red. Just not the Italian flag this time.

Frustration for Belgium, testing ground for France

On paper, Belgium looked well-equipped for success. Three of the four musketeers who had helped secure the European title in A Coruña were present in Rome. But between promise and reality, there are sometimes a few rails in the way.

The first round quickly cooled the Red Devils’ ambitions. Only Emilie Conter found the right formula with the outstanding Portobella van de Fruitkorf, producing Belgium’s sole clear round. Behind, Nicola Philippaerts and Gadget Mouche saw their twelve-fault score become the discard result, while Gilles Thomas (Happy Landais) and Thibeau Spits (Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Zeach added four faults.

The response came in the second act. Philippaerts steadied the ship with a four-fault round, but the damage had already been done. Conter left a rail on the ground this time, Thomas endured a more difficult outing with twelve faults, while Spits finished on a high note with an excellent clear round. Enough to secure fifth place, but well short of the ambitions of a team that had clearly aimed higher.

For France, Édouard Coupérie arrived in Rome with observation rather than results as his primary objective. Mission partially accomplished. With sixteen faults after the first round, the French riders spent the second round watching from ringside alongside Sweden.

Nina Mallevaey delivered the most encouraging performance aboard Nikka van den Bisschop, returning to competition after several months away. Marie Demonte and Forban de Béliard showed plenty of promise despite two avoidable mistakes, while Mégane Moissonnier and Crooner Tame experienced an unusually difficult day with three rails down. Nicolas Sers and Eleven de Riverland also let a few valuable points slip away.

They finished ninth in a Nations Cup that ultimately served as a full-scale testing laboratory.

The number: 78

he number of years separating Mexico’s two victories in the Rome Nations Cup. An eternity in sport. A second in history.

And sometimes, the greatest stories are precisely those that take their time.

Find the full results of the Rome Nations Cup here.