Madrid in Motion take pole position after Round 1 in the GCL of Rome

It was a thrilling start to today’s GCL of Rome as fourteen teams battled it out in Round 1. Madrid in Motion took an early lead in the class, setting the bar high in this first round.

First up for Madrid in Motion was Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, who looked cool and confident as he started the course. Aznar came home on a clean sheet aboard Made In't Ruytershof, delivering the first clear for the team. Teammate Maikel van der Vleuten set of quickly aboard Beauville Z N.O.P. The pair flew across the course, securing a second clear for the team. The team goes into Round 1 on a score of 0 for the first time this season.

Current GCL Championship leaders, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, were next in the ring. First to go was Sophie Hinners aboard Iron Dames Singclair. Hinners got off to an explosive start but acquired four faults in the GCL triple. Next to go was teammate Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann with Messi van 't Ruytershof who also acquired four faults on the same fence as her teammate in GCL triple.

Next in the ring was New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds. Denis Lynch was first up with Mr Boombastic. Lynch delivered a spectacular round, making it look easy and coming home clear for the team. Teammate David Will and Zaccorado Blue had two rails, but raced across the course, stopping the clock ahead of the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames to tentatively jump into second place.

Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian rode into the arena with an all-star lineup of Christian Kukuk and Philipp Weishaupt. First up was Kukuk aboard Mumbai. Kukuk found a good rhythm but acquired four faults on the GCL triple, which proved to be the Achillies heel of many riders in Round 1. Philipp Weishaupt knew he needed a clear round aboard Colby 8. Weishaupt did just that, delivering a clear round for the team to tentatively take second place in Round 1.

Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team come roaring into the arena. First to go for the team was Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli riding Deesse de Coquerie. Zanotelli delivered a stylish, fast round, securing a clear for the team. Teammate Fernando Martinez Sommer also made quick work of the course aboard Lady van de Haarterhoeve. Despite a rail on course, the team tentatively jumped into second place, overtaking Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian.

The Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV fought to the finish on home turf in Round 1. Kyle Timm came home on a clean sheet aboard Candar Mail, posting a clear round for the Gladiators. Next up, Richard Howley found a good rhythm aboard Zodiak du Buisson Z but acquired four faults on course, nevertheless claiming fourth place in Round 1.

All eyes now turn to Round 2 as teams fight to the finish for victory in Rome. Can Madrid in Motion maintain their lead? Will the Championship leaders, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames be able to clinch their 2024 season victory in Round 2, or will the battle be decided at the Finals as the tour heads to Rabat this October? Tune in via GCTV to witness all of the action live from Rome.