By Joseph Schwerdt, NBCOlympics.com


ATHENS — Young French rider Nicolas Touzaint took the early lead in individual eventing Monday, earning perfect 10s from all three judges for his extended trot. His score of 29.40 propelled France to second in the team standings.









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Touzaint, riding 71st of the 75 riders, posted the best score in the two-day dressage phase aboard Galan De Sauvagere, a 10-year-old gray gelding. They are the reigning European champions, and Touzaint also won the four-star events at Kentucky and Burghley.


“I have been training hard and I hoped I could get such a result,” said Touzaint, 24. “This is the best score I have ever had with Galan De Sauvagere. He was feeling at home today and I am very pleased with the way he performed

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