Road2LA initiative: targeted support for German eventers on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
Road2LA – accompanying the best eventing pairs on their way to the Olympics
from Jan Tönjes 
Olympic champion Julia Krajewski and Nickel, who finished eleventh in the Paris Games, are among the Olympic Hopefuls who benefit from Road2LA support. Photo: sportfotos-lafrentz.de The core of the Road2LA initiative is to define a potential group of up to eight pairs that will receive structural and financial support on their way to the 2028 Olympics. The funding currently includes, among other things
Arne Bergendahl with Bronco NRW, born 2016, Westphalian by Blockbuster, successful up to CCIO4*-NC-L, (dam Luthien by La Calido, bred by the rider’s father, is internationally successful)
Michael Jung with fischerSolution II, born 2016, Polish warmblood by Harley, successful up to CCI-4*-L
Julia Krajewski with Uelzener’s Nickel, born 2014, Holsteiner by Numero Uno, eleventh at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Ben Leuwer with Zuccini MN, born 2017, Holsteiner by Zucchero, successful up to CCI4*-S Pia Leuwer with Hanami 4, born 2017, Westphalian by Hambacher, successful up to CCI4*-S Zucchero, successful up to CCI4*-S
Pia Leuwer with Hanami 4, born 2017, Westphalian by Hambacher, successful up to CCI4*-S
Brandon Schäfer-Gehrau with Very Special 5, born 2015, Hanoverian by Viscount, successful up to CCI4*-L
Road2LA: Identifying top performers and providing sustainable support
The approach is clear: recognize top performers early on and support them sustainably. The long-term goal is to be able to recruit the best possible pairs from the German eventing camp for a start at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The pairs nominated by the DOKR Eventing Committee are supported with a fixed amount that can be used freely. For example, trips to major competitions – such as the CCI5*-L in Kentucky – could be made possible if there is a lack of funds. The performance of the horse/rider and rider combinations supported by Road2LA will be evaluated so that funding can be discontinued if necessary and other “Olympic Hopefuls” with greater potential can move up.
Concept continues to take effect
The sponsored pairs regularly compete at international tournaments, with starts being planned specifically with a view to qualifications and building up form. Special emphasis is placed on the long-term development of the horses. Also, ideally, beyond Los Angeles. Because in 2032, Brisbane, Australia, awaits Olympic equestrian sport. No one knows who will win Olympic medals there. But one thing is certain: the Olympic champion of Brisbane has already been born. He or she just doesn’t know about their good fortune yet.
Olympic champions welcome Road2LA
“The road to the Olympic Games is long – for us and for the horses. Continuity and trust in training are crucial. If the framework conditions are right, we can focus on exactly that,” says Julia Krajewski. Michael Jung takes a similar view: “In an international comparison, it’s often the little things that make the difference. Targeted support can make all the difference here”.
“Useful addition”
National coach Peter Thomsen sees the project as a useful addition: “A broad and at the same time powerful top team is crucial. If several combinations can work at the top level, this significantly increases our chances in international comparison.”
Dr. Dennis Peiler, CEO of Equestrian Sport Germany, has a similar view: “This initiative shows how modern top-class sport promotion can work: Road2LA complements and intensifies our sponsorship in an ideal way. It creates additional opportunities – it is precisely this interaction that will strengthen our path to Los Angeles and hopefully allow us to build on the medal-laden successes of the last Olympic Games.
Medals are an important factor for sports funding from the Federal Ministry of the Interior. More than two million euros in funding flowed from Berlin to Warendorf in 2025.
The Road2LA starts in Luhmühlen
The official launch of Road2LA is planned as part of the 4* and 5* event in Luhmühlen in June 2026. Road2LA sees itself as a privately supported additional format for the promotion of German eventing with a clear international perspective. Together with the DOKR, the aim is to ensure the long-term competitiveness of German pairs with a view to Los Angeles. Networking and thus also the opportunity to inspire new people to support the sport of eventing is another approach of the initiative.
Information is also available online.
