1st CIAT Niepolomice, June 30th - 31st 2022
By Huber HARTMUTH
Niepolomice is a small polish town near Krakow. It is located close to the A4 motorway, 540km from Dresden, Germany. The city also has a very good connection with the international airport in Krakow.
The magnificent castle in Niepołomice from the fourteenth century, belonged to the kings of Poland who resided in nearby Krakow, which was, in those days, the capital of Poland.
Currently, it is a museum, cultural center, there is also a hotel and restaurants. The hippodrome, stables and recreational areas are situated directly below the castle.
Niepolomice castle hosted traditional carriage driving competition for the first time this year on the 30th-31st of July. The initiators of this event were Czeslaw Trzos and Tadeusz Kolacz. Twenty two turnouts entered the competition, but finaly 18 came, including 4 debutants and 6 drivers taking part for the second time.
On the first day, the weather was nice during the presentation, while on the second day it rained from the first to the last minute. The bad weather significantly reduced the number of guests and the pleasure of participants. Despite that the conditions for organizing such competition in Niepolomnice are excellent: there is a large professional hippodrome with stands, equipped
offices with services, an air-conditioned container above the hippodrome with good sound system for judges. Next to the castle there is a large paved square for vehicles, beautiful park in the city center. The city authorities were very cooperating and involved, as well as all the organizers and numerous sponsors of the event.
The great atmosphere during the competition should be emphasized. Despite the very diff
icult weather conditions, it seems that all participants left the competition satisfied.
Ladies dominated the competition. The winner in the general classification was Justyna Przyborowska, driving the break de chasse in the winchester team. The competition of pairs was won by Martyna Bebłot, and the singles by experienced Jacek Jantoń. In 2023, the 2nd CIAT Niepolomice is scheduled for 27-27.05
