LGCT of Mexico City of Mexico City - - Mexico City, Campo marte - 13 April 2024 - ph.Stefano Grasso/LGCT Copyright: ph.Stefano Grasso/LGCT
The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames entered the 2024 GCL as newcomers, yet their foundation year has been nothing short of remarkable. In a season defined by both high-level performance and statistical consistency, the all-female team not only held their own but dominated against more experienced GCL squads like Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian who were fighting for their third consecutive Championship win.
A deeper look into their debut season reveals that the Cannes Stars’ success was built on both strategic riding and impressive stats, which helped them secure the GCL Championship title in Rabat.
While victories in high-profile stages like Doha, Monaco, Riesenbeck, and St. Tropez may capture the headlines, it was the Cannes Stars’ remarkable consistency across all events that played a pivotal role in their championship run. Statistically, the team boasted a clear round percentage of 52%, delivering 31 clear rounds across the season. This kind of consistency is particularly notable in a league where 1.60m courses are designed to test even the combinations to technical limits.
Clear rounds were key to the team’s overall strategy. With over half of their rounds being completely faultless, the Cannes Stars ensured they were constantly in contention for podium finishes. In fact, alongside their four stage wins, they secured podium places in Valkenswaard, London, and Paris. These results kept them consistently at the top of the leaderboard, a podium finish in over half the stages of the 2024 Championship race, culminating in a season score of 287 points as they entered the final stage in Rabat.
In addition to their clear round percentage, the Cannes Stars maintained an average penalty per round of 2.7 faults. This statistic underscores their ability to balance risk and reward. Their 2.7 faults per round reflect a calculated approach—minimising errors while maintaining the speed and accuracy needed to compete at the highest level.
The team's approach was particularly effective in high-stakes stages. In the intense showdown at Riesenbeck, they secured victory in front of their championship rivals, Riesenbeck International who were competing on home turf, showcasing their ability to handle pressure while minimising penalties. As the season progressed, it became clear that their strategy was paying off: they were staying competitive in every round and putting themselves in positions to win.
While numbers tell part of the story, their race for the title was ultimately decided by performance under pressure. Of their four stage wins, the victories in Doha and Monaco were particularly important. Doha, early in the season and giving the Cannes Stars momentum and the early lead in the Championship, and Monaco - the midway mark, where they regained the Championship lead back from Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses. Their ability to maintain this form through the mid-season stages and into the critical final stretch was a testament to their tactical preparation and strong performances.
The team's lead over Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian—just 23 points heading into Rabat—made the final stage a true test of their nerve. The close battle between these two top teams pushed the Cannes Stars to deliver faultless rides when it mattered most, allowing them to extend their lead and secure the 2024 GCL Championship by a margin of 20 points.
The success of the Cannes Stars was driven by standout performances from all six team members: Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, Katrin Eckermann, Sanne Thijssen, Sophie Hinners, Kim Emmen, and Natalie Dean. A closer look at their individual contributions reveals the depth of talent within the squad:
LGCT of Mexico City of Mexico City - - Mexico City, Campo marte - 13 April 2024 - ph.Stefano Grasso/LGCT Copyright: ph.Stefano Grasso/LGCT
The early stages of the 2024 season was defined by the rivalry between the Cannes Stars and Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian. As the defending champions, Riesenbeck International had the experience and tactical know-how to challenge for a third consecutive title. However, despite their proven track record, they were unable to match the Cannes Stars' consistency and strategic planning.
Throughout the middle stages of the 2024 season it looked to be a blazing red comeback, with Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses taking the championship lead for three stages - Cannes, Paris and Stockholm. With six podiums to their name in 2024, including a win in Cannes, and second place in both Rabat and Paris, Stockholm Hearts finished the season in third place, with the standout performer being Malin Baryard-Johnsson with an impressive average clear round rate of 60%.
Surprisingly, the defending champions Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian didn't once wear the leading team armband in the 2024 season. The team held the fourth place position for six stages from Cannes to London, Riesenbeck finished the season strong, holding second place for the final three stages. Christian Kukuk and Philipp Weishaupt jumped 20 and 15 rounds for the team respectively, both finishing the season with an average penalty per round of 1.9.
Both the Cannes Stars and Riesenbeck International frequently found themselves in head-to-head battles, most notably at the Riesenbeck stage, where the Cannes Stars delivered a decisive victory. This win not only denied Riesenbeck valuable points on their home turf but also sent a clear signal that the Cannes Stars were serious contenders for the title.
The 2024 Championship Finals in Rabat, Morocco, delivered the climactic battle fans had been anticipating all season. The Cannes Stars, spearheaded by Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, Natalie Dean, and Sophie Hinners, went head-to-head with Riesenbeck International in a showdown for the ages. Riding their superstar horses—Messi Van’t Ruytershof, Acota M, and Iron Dames Singclair—the Cannes Stars triumphed, finishing 20 points ahead of Riesenbeck.
Not only did they secure the coveted GCL Championship title, but the team also took home their share of the prestigious €8.5 million prize. In addition to this, the Cannes Stars were awarded the GCL Grand Prize presented by Hilton Luxury Brands: an exclusive five-day luxury trip to the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island.
As the Cannes Stars look ahead to the 2025 season, their data-driven approach and strong foundation will be critical to sustaining their success. Their ability to deliver a 52% clear round rate and average just 2.7 faults per round has proven that they can maintain consistent results across a long season. Moreover, their strong roster of riders gives them flexibility and depth, allowing them to adapt to different courses and conditions.
With their debut season now behind them, the Cannes Stars are no longer the underdogs. They enter the next GCL season as the reigning champions, and their performance data from 2024 suggests they have the tools to stay at the top. Their rivalry with Riesenbeck International will undoubtedly continue, but with a championship title in hand and lessons learned, the Cannes Stars are well-positioned to defend their crown.
While much of the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames’ success can be attributed to their skill in the arena, it’s their consistency, strategic execution, and statistical performance that truly set them apart in 2024. With a championship win in their foundation year, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the GCL and the numbers back it up.
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