What a great demonstration by Gilles Thomas and his Ermitage Kalone! Ten combinations jumped to the jump-off of the Mechelen World Cup GP. Gilles and Ermitage delivered an amazing jump-off. For the first time in his career, the accelerator was pushed all the way in and Ermitage picked it up wonderfully. His time looked like it was going to be the winning time for a long time, until German rider Hans Dieter Dreher (Vestmalle des Coits) spoiled the Belgian party. Gilles and Ermitage came in second in the Mechelen Nekkerhal. After the second place in Riyadh and third in Geneva, another highlight for the talented duo. Gilles: It feels a bit like a disappointment now, because I was very close. But I also have to be very happy with the way Ermitage jumped here. He gets better every time. In Riyadh and Geneva, I was still the slowest in the jump-off. We are making progress. (laughs)