Pierre Le Goupil was responsible for this year’s Mars Maryland 5 Star cross-country course, a first time designing at the five-star level for the Paris 2024 Olympic designer, and his track certainly yielded a result today (Saturday, 18 October). From 22 starters, four pairs (18%) went inside the 11min optimum time, seven (32%) jumped clear and 13 (59%) finished the course.

“I think he’s got an unbelievable result,” said Ireland’s 2023 Maryland 5 Star winner Austin O’Connor, who was commentating on the action. “There were problems everywhere and the head scratchers generally rode well, which is great testament to a designer. At end of day the cream has risen to top. I think it’s been fascinating.”

Maryland 5 Star cross-country course: most influential fence

The most influential complex

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