Dutch driver Koos de Ronde has a special bond with the FEI World Cup™Driving in Mechelen (BEL). He won the competition in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and he won it again this year after a truly exciting competition.
De Ronde's compatriot IJsbrand Chardon was actually well underway to secure his first-ever victory in the 12-year history of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Mechelen when fate struck and his carriage tipped over. Luckily, Chardon, his grooms and his four horses were all uninjured and the four-times World Champion ended the night in third.
London-Olympia winner Boyd Exell (AUS) finished second behind Koos de Ronde, who was competing on a wild card.

The excitement grew when each of the eight competitors entered the fully packed Nekkerhal in Mechelen where Dutch O-course designer had laid out a good fast course. Rookie Glenn Geerts (BEL), who also competed with a wild card, set the time to beat in the first round and nearly made it to the Winning Round, much to the excitement of the Belgian driving fans. But Boyd Exell, IJsbrand Chardon and Koos de Ronde all beat Geerts' very fast time to qualify for the Winning Round with very small time differences.