St Ives Showground to host medieval jousting tournament

Over 15,000 fans are expected to pack Sydney’s St Ives Showground to cheer on the world’s best jousters from across Europe, Australia and New Zealand on Sunday 25th September.

Backed by broadcaster Fox Sports, the International Jousting Championship will see the best jousters from around the globe go into battle to claim the sports’ highest honour.

The tournament, channelling the ‘Game of Thrones’ phenomenon, will bring the legendary chivalry of Western Europe’s Middle Ages back to life.

As was common practice throughout the later medieval period, the armour-clad knights will be led onto the arena by their squire and will be introduced by the herald, before thundering towards each other in full flight on horseback, armed with long, wooden, steel-tipped lances aimed towards their opponent.

The day will offer the spectacle of jousters attempting to break their lance on their opponent’s shoulder guard, de-horse him and send him flying to the ground.

Jousters include Australia’s Rod Walker, Phillip Leitch, Cliff Marisma and Luke Binks, Simon Tennant and Jezz Smith from New Zealand, IvarMauritz-Hansen from Norway and Arne Koetsfrom The Netherlands.

The tournament will be the first time medieval jousting televised anywhere in the world, with Fox Sports broadcasting the event from 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon.

Fox Sports’ Adam Peacock and comedian Adam Spencer will combine to host the tournament, while Brenton Speed will call the action.

American jousting expert Steve Hemphill will be on hand to offer expert analysis throughout the championship.

Looking forward to the event, Fox Sports commentator Peacock stated “I’ve been told that jousting is the original extreme sport … and it’s not hard to see why.

“It takes enormous courage to charge at another opponent on horseback with a 12-foot lance, knowing that you’ll be struck in the chest and potentially thrown off your horse.

“I’m really excited to host this world first event, and deliver a completely different sports experience for Foxtel sports subscribers.”

The broadcast will be produced by Epicentre.tv and will be available live on Fox Sports 503.

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