The Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025, held in Castiglione del Lago, Umbria, from June 17 to 23, concluded with resounding success. The event skillfully combined top-level sport, significant economic impact, international visibility, and extraordinary public participation. The 2025 edition of the European Championship marked a historic moment for equestrian endurance, bringing a prestigious continental event back to Italy with the full support of the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation (FISE), the high patronage of the European Parliament and the support of the Ministry for Sport and Youth, and organized by Italia Endurance ASD and sistemaeventi.it Srl under the Endurance Lifestyle format.
On the sporting front, the individual title was claimed by Marijke Visser (NED) riding Chaitana des Chaises, followed by France Paul (FRA) and Gil Berenguer Carrera (ESP), who also received the Best Condition Award with his horse Jilguero II Ex Clavijo de Guad. The Fair Play “Mauro Barzagna” Award was given to Philipe Tomas (FRA) for his exemplary sportsmanship and conduct throughout the competition. In the team ranking, Spain took the top step of the podium, followed by Italy and Netherlands, confirming the extremely high technical standard demonstrated across the six loops of the 160 km course.
The impact assessment based on official, certified data confirms the strategic value of the event for the Umbria region: over €2.16 million in direct economic impact, generated by logistics, setups, hospitality, and private investment, combined with an estimated €6.58 million in indirect value, thanks to media exposure and the activation of new tourism and business opportunities. The Trasimeno area recorded 14.560 overnight stays during the event week, with an average stay of over six days. The media campaign generated 8.34 million certified social impressions and 2,344 articles and media reports published in Italy and abroad, spreading the name of Castiglione del Lago and Umbria across Europe. A total of 426 professionals were involved, including technicians, judges, veterinarians, volunteers, and logistics staff, while 69 sponsors and partners supported the initiative, helping to create a virtuous ecosystem connecting sport, economy, and local development. The average satisfaction rating reached 4.82 out of 5, one of the highest ever recorded for a sporting event in Italy.
The Zigulì FEI Endurance European Championship 2025 was not only an event of sporting excellence, but also a replicable model of development, where sport becomes a true driver of territorial promotion, sustainability, and social impact. The Organizing Committee is already working toward a new goal: the official candidacy of Castiglione del Lago to host the FEI Endurance World Championship in 2028, building on the experience, results, and credibility earned on the field.
Results_European Championship 2025
Numbers & Values Dossier_European Championship 2025
