WEC 2026: The Officials Report: Who Managed the "Test Event" Vet Gate?

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SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

ALULA, KSA — December 9, 2025 — The veterinary management of the recent Test Event (November 2025) offered a clear preview of the officiating roster we can expect for the World Championship in 2026.

As is standard for the major AlUla fixtures (including the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup), the veterinary team was a strategic coalition of Saudi leadership and Italian technical expertise (managed by Sistema Eventi, the long-time technical partner for AlUla endurance).

Here are the key officials who presided over the metabolic challenges of the recent test.

1. The Veterinary Commission (The Judges)

The panel responsible for the "fit-to-continue" decisions was led by veteran officials familiar with the specific heat profile of the Ashar Valley.

• President of the Veterinary Commission: Dr. Angelo Paris (ITA).
• Role: The head judge. Paris is a fixture at AlUla events. His philosophy in the recent test was "strict but fair," particularly regarding the 10-minute recovery rule.
• Foreign Veterinary Delegate (FVD): Dr. Khalid Al Razaqi (OMA).
• Role: The independent observer. His presence ensures that the local pressure (from host nation riders) does not influence veterinary decisions.
• Saudi Representative: Dr. Mohammed Al Hammad (KSA).
• Role: The senior Saudi official ensuring the interface between the international delegates and the local veterinary support teams.

2. The Treating Commission (The Clinic)

The field hospital that managed the 23 metabolic cases in the test event was led by one of the most experienced desert-treating vets in the world.

• President of the Treating Commission: Dr. Nicola Pilati (ITA).¹

• Significance: Pilati is widely considered the architect of the AlUla "Field Hospital" system. He coordinated the mobile IV units that were deployed into the canyons of Loop 3. His team is credited with ensuring that despite the high attrition, there were zero catastrophic injuries (catastrophic fractures or fatalities) recorded during the event.

3. The Organizing Leadership

While not "officials" in the voting sense, the technical direction of the veterinary protocols was overseen by the Saudi federation's key technical architect.

• Technical Director / OC Member: Dr. Anas Hassan (KSA).
• Role: A member of the FEI Endurance Committee, Dr. Hassan is the bridge between the FEI rules and the AlUla reality. He was instrumental in designing the flow of the vet gate to minimize congestion during the "rush hour" of Loop 2.

4. FEI Oversight

• FEI Endurance Director: Christina Abu-Dayyeh (JOR).²

• Status: Present on-site. She was observed closely monitoring the new yamamah timing system integration with the veterinary data, ensuring the "live heartbeat" tracking was accurate for the public broadcast.

An Analysis of a Possible French Team for the 2026 WEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

December 22 2025

As of December 2025, France holds the title of the team to beat for the 2026 World Endurance Championship.

France is currently the Reigning World Champion, having won the Team Gold at the most recent World Championship in Monpazier, France (September 2024), and successfully defending the title they won in Butheeb (UAE) in 2023.

Here is the detailed status of the French squad ("Groupe France") heading into the 2026 AlUla cycle:

1. Current Team Status: The "Gold Standard"

Under the leadership of Chef d'Equipe Jean-Michel Grimal, France arguably has the deepest bench of elite 160km horses in the world.

• Ranking: France is currently ranked #1 in the world for team depth.
• Recent Form: They dominated the 2024 World Championship on home soil (Monpazier) by focusing on high completion rates rather than just individual speed—a strategy Grimal is famous for instilling.

2. The Selection Process

As with the US and Argentina, the final team of 5 riders has not yet been selected. However, the French federation (FFE) operates a strict "Groupe 1" (Elite Squad) system. Riders must maintain consistent results to stay in this group.

The "AlFursan" Test (February 2026):

The most critical upcoming date for the French team is February 7-8, 2026.

• The AlFursan Endurance Cup in AlUla will serve as a de facto dress rehearsal.
• Jean-Michel Grimal is expected to send his top prospects here to test them against the specific Saudi desert terrain (deep sand and technical rock), which is vastly different from the wet/muddy conditions where they won Gold in 2024.

3. Key Contenders ("The Watch List")

The core of the 2026 team will likely be drawn from the 2024 Gold Medal squad, provided their horses remain sound.

• Virginie Atger: The anchor of the French team.
• Status: She finished 4th individually in 2024 on Cham de la Palud. She is widely considered one of the most technical and consistent riders in the world.

Mélody Théolissat:

• Status: Won Individual Bronze in 2024 on Yalla de Jalima. She is a lock for the long list if her horse is fit.

Clémentine Chaud:

• Status: A key member of the 2024 Gold team (riding Doha d'Artagnan AA).

• Philippe Tomas:
• Status: A veteran rider who is central to the team's strategy.

4. Strategic Outlook for AlUla

France's biggest challenge in 2026 will be acclimatization.

• The Challenge: In 2024, they won in heavy rain and mud (Monpazier). In 2026, they must switch back to desert tactics.

The Advantage: France also won the World Championship in 2023 in Butheeb (UAE), proving they can win in the desert. This versatility makes them the heavy favorites to retain their title in Saudi Arabia.

Thoughts on USA Team Strategy

CONFIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM

TO: USA Endurance Chef d’Equipe (Designate) FROM: High Performance Advisory Group / Endurance.net Strategic Desk DATE: December 10, 2025 SUBJECT: PRE-MISSION BRIEFING: 2026 FEI World Endurance Championship (AlUla, KSA)

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The operational environment for the 2026 World Championship in AlUla is defined by high attrition (62%) and technical volatility. The “Sandbox” narrative is false; this is a hybrid terrain event where the transition from deep sand to volcanic bedrock (Loop 3) is the primary point of failure.

Our path to the podium is not through speed (Bahrain/UAE) but through survivability. The data from the November 2025 Test Event indicates that a team completion strategy averaging 20.5 km/h with sub-9 minute recoveries is statistically sufficient for a Team Bronze or Silver, provided we survive Loop 3.

2. OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

A. The Terrain: “The Geological Trap”

• Loops 1, 2, 5 (Sand): Deep, energy-sapping sand. Deceptively fast in the morning.
• Loop 3 (The “Kill Zone” - 28km): Volcanic bedrock and hard-packed grit.
  • Intel: 45% of lameness eliminations in the Test Event occurred here.
  • Constraint: Speed must be capped at 18 km/h max in this sector.
• Loop 4 (The “Oven” - 20km): Hegra canyons. Zero airflow. Peak heat. High metabolic risk.

B. The Regulatory Threat: “The 10-Minute Rule”

• Rule: Any recovery >10 mins triggers a Compulsory Re-Inspection (CRI).
• Impact: In the Test Event, 12 horses were eliminated due to this rule.
• Implication: We cannot use “long recovery” tactics to cool overheated horses. We must ride below the heat threshold.

3. COMPETITOR ANALYSIS

Force	Threat Profile	USA Counter-Strategy
Bahrain (Sheikh Nasser)	High Speed / High Risk. Will likely push 25+ km/h to break the field.	Ignore. Let them serve as “hares.” We cannot match their biomechanics in sand.
UAE (M7/F3)	Pack Dominance. Will ride in a phalanx of 5.	Drafting. Use their draft in the flat sand loops (1 & 5) if pace allows, but detach immediately before Loop 3 rocks.
France (The Benchmark)	Technical Discipline. Riding for safe completion.	Mark. This is our direct rival for the podium. We must match their vets’ recovery metrics beat-for-beat.
Saudi Arabia (Hosts)	Terrain Knowledge. Will exploit shortcuts and footing knowledge.	Observe. If the Saudi riders slow down, we slow down. They know where the holes are.

4. USA TEAM ASSETS & SELECTION STRATEGY

A. The “Hybrid” Horse Profile

We cannot send pure “flat track” horses. The ideal US candidate is a Tevis/Florida Hybrid: 1. Bone Density: Must handle the Loop 3 concussion (Tevis profile). 2. Heat Tolerance: Must pulse down in <6 mins in 30°C heat (Florida profile). * Key Contenders: Jeremy Reynolds (Treasured Moments) for the lead role; Cheryl Van Deusen (JG General) for the anchor role.

B. The “Moneyball” Logistics

• Budget Reality: We lack the unlimited transport budget of the Gulf. We must maximize the Host Subsidy (covers flights for Top 5 horses).
• Data Warfare: We cannot afford a massive test event presence. We will rely on the data packet gathered from the Feb 2026 AlFursan Cup (split times, recovery curves) to build our pace strategy remotely.

5. STRATEGIC GAME PLAN: “THE TORTOISE WITH TEETH”

• Phase 1 (Loop 1-2): The Discipline Phase.
  • Objective: Do not get baited by the mass start.
  • Target Speed: 21-22 km/h.
  • Note: The sand is fresh; use it, but keep heart rates <150 bpm.
• Phase 2 (Loop 3): The Survival Phase.
  • Objective: Zero Lameness.
  • Target Speed: DROPDOWN to 18 km/h.
  • Tactic: This feels slow. It will feel like we are losing. Hold the line. The leaders will break here.
• Phase 3 (Loop 4): The Management Phase.
  • Objective: Beat the 10-Minute Rule.
  • Tactic: Aggressive crewing on course. Ice water application must start 5km out from the vet gate.
• Phase 4 (Loop 5-6): The Hunting Phase.
  • Objective: Podium.
  • Tactic: If we exit Loop 4 with 3 sound horses, we unleash. The attrition will have cleared the field. We ride for position.

6. CRITICAL PATH & NEXT STEPS

1. Immediate (Dec 2025): Finalize the “Long List” focusing on soundness over speed.
2. Feb 2026 (AlFursan Cup): Deploy a “Data Scout” team (no horses) to AlUla to map the Loop 3 rock hazards GPS coordinates.
3. Summer 2026: Mandate a “Heat Camp” (Florida/Arizona) for selected riders. No European cool-weather training.
4. October 2026: Selection of the final 5 based solely on the “Sub-9 Minute Recovery” metric.

CONCLUSION: The Gold Medal is likely out of reach against the UAE’s depth. However, a Team Medal is highly probable if we execute a disciplined, terrain-aware race. The world will break itself on Loop 3; we just have to be the ones left standing to pick up the pieces.

[END BRIEFING]

An Analysis of Japan Endurance

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The Japan Report: The “Asian Games” Dilemma and the Shadow of the Saudi Cup

TOKYO, JAPAN — December 10, 2025 — While the endurance world watches the Gulf nations arm themselves for the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) in AlUla, the Japanese delegation remains an enigma.

Japan is currently the world’s leading power in flat racing on Saudi soil (having dominated the $20M Saudi Cup in Riyadh with horses like Panthalassa and Forever Young). However, their Endurance program operates in a completely different reality.

Here is the Endurance.net strategic analysis of Japan’s intentions for AlUla 2026, and why their team might be the most conflicted on the grid.

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1. The Strategic Conflict: Aichi-Nagoya vs. AlUla

The single biggest factor defining Japan’s 2026 WEC campaign is the calendar. * The Conflict: Japan is hosting the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 – October 4, 2026. * The Impact: For the Japan Equestrian Federation (JEF), a Gold Medal on home soil at the Asian Games is politically worth more than a Top 10 finish in AlUla. * The Dilemma: The WEC in AlUla is in late November 2026, just seven weeks after the Asian Games. It is nearly impossible to peak a horse for a 120km championship in September (Japan) and then fly them to Saudi Arabia for a 160km championship in November. * The Verdict: Expect Japan’s “A-Team” horses to stay home for the Asian Games. The squad sent to AlUla will likely be comprised of: 1. Europe-based professionals: Japanese riders living in France or UAE who are not part of the Asian Games selection. 2. Specialist “Milers”: Horses specifically saved for the 160km distance who skipped the 120km Asian Games cycle.

2. The “Racing” Confusion (Clarification)

Spectators often assume Japan will bring the same dominance to AlUla that they bring to the Saudi Cup (gallop racing). This is incorrect. * The Reality: The Japan Racing Association (JRA) pours billions of yen into flat racing. The Endurance sector runs on a fraction of that budget. While Japanese Thoroughbreds are world-beaters, Japanese Endurance Arabians are still developing. * The Connection: However, there is a crossover. Kenki Sato, a famously versatile equestrian (Olympian in Eventing and active Endurance rider), represents the bridge between the disciplines. If Japan fields a star in AlUla, it will likely be a rider with this kind of multi-discipline technical background.

3. Recent Form: The Quiet Build

Japan’s recent endurance results suggest a focus on completion over speed. * 2024 WEC (Monpazier): Japan did not feature on the podium, overshadowed by the emerging Asian powerhouse of China (who secured a historic Silver Medal with a father-daughter duo). * The “China Factor”: China’s sudden rise in endurance has put pressure on Japan to respond. The rivalry for the title of “Top Asian Nation” will be fierce. If Japan cannot beat the UAE/Bahrain, their primary goal in AlUla will be to finish ahead of China.

4. Key Riders to Watch

Unlike the UAE stables which rotate dozens of riders, Japan relies on a small core of dedicated athletes. * Kenki Sato: The high-profile equestrian ambassador. If he qualifies, he brings major championship experience. * Tatsuya Kusanagi: A consistent presence in the FEI rankings. * Europe-Based Leases: The most likely path for a Japanese success in AlUla is leasing. Instead of flying horses from Tokyo, Japanese riders may lease qualified 160km horses from French or Spanish stables (Juma’s Team, etc.) to bypass the travel stress and secure “desert-ready” stock.

5. Summary: What to Expect in AlUla

• Team Status: Dark Horse / Tier 3.
• Strategy: Conservative. They will likely aim for a Team Completion rather than individual medals.
• Prediction: Japan will use the AlUla WEC to give experience to their younger riders, while their veteran horses and funding remain focused on winning the Asian Games at home in September.
• The Wildcard: If a top Japanese owner (like those who own the Saudi Cup winners) decides to buy a elite UAE endurance horse for a Japanese rider, their status could change overnight.

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Analysis by the Endurance.net Team

http://endurance.net/international/SaudiArabia/2026WorldEnduranceChampionship/

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SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

AlUla Organizing Committee Commits to Track Modifications Ahead of February Showdown

ALULA, KSA — December 12, 2025 — Following the grueling technical challenge of the November 28th Test Event, which saw a completion rate of just 38% among the CEI 3* field, the AlUla Organizing Committee (OC) has moved swiftly to address the concerns of the international delegation. With the AlFursan Cup in February 2026 serving as the final "dress rehearsal" for the World Championship, the focus has shifted entirely from celebrating the venue's beauty to refining its rideability.

Framing their response to the high attrition rate, the OC issued a decisive statement this morning acknowledging the "unforgiving nature" of the volcanic sectors in Loop 3. "We have analyzed the veterinary data and rider feedback from the November test, and while the technical challenge is intentional, we are committed to grading the volcanic rock sections to ensure the welfare of the horse remains paramount," the statement read. "For the February AlFursan Cup, competitors will see significant adjustments to the footing in the Ashar Valley transitions, ensuring a fairer test that rewards horsemanship without punishing soundness."

This commitment signals a critical pivot for the February event. National Federations, particularly those from Europe and the Americas who struggled with the "concussion zones" in November, can now expect a modified track layout that retains the stunning backdrop of Hegra but offers more forgiving avenues through the infamous "Black Rock" canyons. The AlFursan Cup will now serve not just as a race, but as the final proof-of-concept for these modifications, determining whether the 2026 World Championship will be a race of speed or a test of pure survival.

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2026 WEC in November

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SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

Endurance.net Announces Global Coverage of the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championship in AlUla

ALULA, KSA — December 10, 2025 — The equestrian world is set to converge on the ancient sands of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championship, a pinnacle event that promises to redefine the sport's technical and physical limits. Scheduled for November 28, 2026, the championship will be held at the purpose-built Al Fursan Equestrian Village, a state-of-the-art facility nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of AlUla. The course, renowned for its dramatic sandstone canyons and challenging volcanic footing, will test the world’s elite riders over 160 kilometers of the most visually stunning terrain in endurance history.

Endurance.net is proud to announce it will provide comprehensive coverage of this historic cycle, beginning with the crucial dress rehearsal: the AlFursan Cup in February 2026. This "pre-ride" is the final strategic test event where national teams—including the powerhouse squads from Bahrain, France, and the UAE—will fine-tune their logistics, pacing strategies, and shoeing protocols. Our coverage will offer fans and professionals exclusive insights, live technical analysis, and deep-dive reports on the contenders who survive the "Canyons of Ashar."

To help fans visualize the upcoming spectacle, we have curated a selection of official imagery showcasing the venue and the unique topography of the track:

• The Venue: View the Al Fursan Equestrian Village and surrounding landscape
• The Terrain: Explore the dramatic sandstone canyons of AlUla
• The Heritage: See the Hegra archaeological site, a key feature of the course

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Announcement by the Endurance.net Team

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