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09 April 2024

Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City Begins, Announcing Huge Rider List

Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico City Begins, Announcing Huge Rider List

The renowned Longines Global Champions Tour of Mexico, presented by GNP Mexico Jumping, is set to captivate audiences from April 11 to 14, marking the third leg of the esteemed 2024 circuit. As the exclusive Latin American host, Mexico welcomes this exhilarating event, with Campo Marte reclaiming its spotlight in the global equestrian arena.

Internationally acclaimed riders are converging in Mexico City, ready to tackle the challenges of the 2,250-meter altitude alongside the world's top horses. Anticipation is high as the stage is set for a riveting display of athleticism and entertainment, promising to thrill the enthusiastic crowds.

This prestigious event will showcase over 150 riders hailing from 21 countries, including two-time LGCT Champion Edwina Tops-Alexander, three-time LGCT Champion Ben Maher and last week’s LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach winner Michael Duffy. Joining them are renowned figures such as Daniel Deusser, Christian Ahlmann, Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Denis Lynch, Lorenzo de Luca and Maikel van der Vleuten. 

Representing Mexico in the CSI5* are esteemed riders including Fernando Martinez Sommer, Carlos Hank Guerreiro, Nicolas Pizarro, Patricio Pasquel and many more. 

Today the opening press conference officially declared the start of the competition with event director Francisco Pasquel expressing his excitement

We are very happy to bring another year of the most important circuit in the world to Mexico and that it takes on increasing strength and prestige. I love that the event is recognised so much worldwide.
- Francisco Pasquel

Set against the backdrop of Mexico City's Campo Marte, the event promises a captivating experience for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Jan Tops, founder and president of the Longines Global Champions Tour, expressed his gratitude to the organizers, partners, and supporters, emphasizing the unique charm of the venue and the enthusiastic local fan base.

“Mexico City is very unique - there are not many shows like this one. We have fantastic riders here this weekend and the GCL Mexico Amigos team are currently in third place in the Championship standings so the local fans have lots to look forward to. I want to thank our title sponsor Longines who without them we couldn’t do any of this as well as GNP and our other local partners who make this show happen!
- Jan Tops, President & Founder, Longines Global Champions Tour & GCL

GCL home team member of the Mexico Amigos Mouda Zeyada smiled: “I am so excited to be here just from how highly everyone talks about this prestigious leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour. You have the best riders and horses in the world competing at every stage of the LGCT so it really brings the level of the sport higher. I will be riding as part of the Mexico Amigos team and I hope we can make the fans happy this weekend and get a podium finish in their home town.”

Local Mexican rider Nicolas Pazzaro went to add about the Longines Global Champions Tour Mexico presented by GNP Mexico Jumping: "The grass arena is one of the best I have ridden on, the footing is very good and the horses feel very comfortable. This is an opportunity to prepare at the highest this level, because no other competitions give you the experience of a competition of this magnitude."

As the championship race heats up, with six of the top ten riders in attendance, the competition promises to be intense. Leading rider Eduardo Alvarez Aznar aims to maintain his position at the top, but is closely pursued by Max Kuhner who is just a single point behind him.

Aznar told GCTV when he was declared the new LGCT Championship leader last week in Miami Beach: “My old horse Rockefeller who I have with me for Miami and Mexico is 19 years old and this will probably be his last season, so the Championship race really means a lot for me.”

With the third golden ticket for the coveted Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in sight, competitors are aware of the significance of a strong start to the season. The 16-event year poses a formidable challenge, spanning diverse locations worldwide, from expansive grass arenas to iconic waterfront stages.

With an anticipated audience of over 20,000, the LGCT Mexico City has become a highlight on the equestrian calendar. Fans worldwide can catch all the action via GCTV, offering live streaming and expert analysis, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

The 2024 season of the Longines Global Champions Tour promises unparalleled excitement, uniting the world's finest riders and horses. 

FULL RIDERS LIST

WATCH: Mexico 2024 Are You Ready? 🎬

My vision is clear. Only the best for the best.
Jan Tops - Founder & President