Arriving in Style

New Zealand's most capped Olympians Andrew Nicholson (left) and Mark Todd arrive (Mon evening NZ time) at the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational in a traditional London black cab.

But there was a twist – it was a black cab decorated with a silver fern – one of four on the roads in London that have been designed to make Kiwis proud as the world heads to the 2012 London Olympics.

Double gold Olympic medallist Todd and World Equestrian Championships bronze medallist Nicholson, who have each ridden at six Olympic Games, are part of the three-strong New Zealand team invited to compete at the event. Joining them in the team is Clarke Johnstone who was part of the bronze medal winning team at the World Championships last year.

All three breezed through the trot up, and will face stiff competition in the three phase event – dressage, cross country and showjumping – which runs through until Wednesday (UK time).

In all 40 combinations from 23 countries will compete in the event, which is part of the London Prepares series, the official London 2012 sports testing programme and allows the organising committee the chance to test key event aspects.

Greenwich Park, the oldest enclosed Royal Park in London, is south-east of the city and, along with the adjacent World Heritage Site, is home to many historic buildings, including the Royal Observatory and the Queen's House.

The London Olympic Games take place July 27 – August 12, 2012. The New Zealand team is expected to comprise some 200 athletes taking part in 17 sports.