Gilles Thomas is Untouchable in 2025 LGCT & GCL Championship Races

As the 2025 Longines Global Champions Tour season powers into its decisive stages, one name continues to dominate both the individual and team leaderboards: Gilles Thomas. The young Belgian has been the revelation of the year, holding the coveted leader’s armband in both the LGCT Championship and the GCL Championship. With fans already dubbing him “Mr Untouchable”, the 26-year-old is writing one of the sport’s most compelling stories.

LGCT Championship Race

Thomas is streaking ahead on 241 points, pulling clear of the pack after a string of stellar performances – including his unforgettable victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Paris with Ermitage Kalone. Chasing him is Denmark’s Andreas Schou, the model of consistency on 173 points, who has quietly built momentum with podium finishes across the season.

Hot on his heels is Christian Kukuk on 162 points, whose win in the LGCT Grand Prix of London with Checker 47 brought the British crowd to its feet. France’s flying superstar Simon Delestre sits in fourth with 158.20 points, thanks to his dazzling triumph in the LGCT Grand Prix of Monaco.

The ever-reliable Dutchman Maikel van der Vleuten occupies fifth with 148.17 points, a rider whose quiet consistency has made him this season’s underdog story. Sixth place belongs to Britain's Scott Brash, who has taken two LGCT Grand Prix wins in 2025 – first in Shanghai (Stage 3) and then in St. Tropez (Stage 6) – to sit on 145 points.

The depth of talent in the top ten is equally remarkable, featuring leading lady riders Natalie Dean and Sophie Hinners, 2024 LGCT Champion Max Kühner, and Belgian maestro Pieter Devos, whose homebred horses continue to impress on the world stage.

GCL Championship Battle

If the individual title race looks dramatic, the team showdown is proving just as gripping. Valkenswaard United remain untouchable at the top after yet another podium finish on home turf at Stage 10. With six podiums in 2025 – three wins and three second places – the powerhouse squad sits on 218 points, reinforced by a remarkable mid-season move: the return of legend John Whitaker, stepping in for the injured Lorenzo de Luca.

Just behind, the Shanghai Swans hold second on 203 points, but they face a serious challenge from the reigning champions, the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, who trail by just five points on 198. Stage 10 winners, the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team, sit in fourth with 142 points.

The stakes couldn’t be higher – the top four teams at the end of the regular season skip the GCL Super Cup quarter-final round at the GC Prague Playoffs, fast-tracking straight into the semi-finals. With every rail and every stride counting, the championship race is set to intensify even further.

Next Stop: Riesenbeck

All eyes now turn to the heart of German horse country as the Tour heads to Riesenbeck International from September 11 – 14 for Stage 11. Fans can expect the ultimate showdown as the world’s best riders and teams go head-to-head for precious championship points in both the LGCT Grand Prix and the GCL.