Nine Championship Titles Between Riders This Week for Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes

The race for the coveted 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour title is about to reach new heights as the championship makes its way along the beautiful French Riviera to the city of Cannes. The field boasts an impressive nine LGCT Championship titles among the riders. This includes two-time champion Edwina Tops-Alexander, three-time champion Ben Maher, two-time champion Scott Brash, and two-time champion Harrie Smolders, making this week in Cannes a truly exceptional gathering of elite talent.

Following a glamorous kick-off in Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez last week, the Tour has cruised to the iconic destination of Cannes. With an A-list line-up of show jumping stars ready to showcase their skills, spectators can expect an adrenaline-pumping weekend of world-class sport as these top riders battle for crucial points in their quest for the LGCT title.

Last year’s LGCT Grand Prix winner of Cannes Maikel van der Vleuten will be aiming for back-to-back wins in Cannes with his epic horsepower. Although Championship leader Eduardo Alvarez Aznar won’t be present this week, he will be back fighting for the Championship soon but it leaves the door open for Christian Kukuk, currently in third place and in search of his second LGCT Grand Prix win this season.

On flying form this season, Gilles Thomas is closing in on the top spot after his win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Shanghai Currently 7th in the 2024 rankings, his performance in Cannes will be crucial to his place in the overall standings.

The world's best show jumpers will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory in Cannes. Esteemed names such as 2019 LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes winner Niels Bruynseels, Christian Ahlmann, Daniel Deusser, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, John Whitaker, Denis Lynch, Michael Duffy, Richard Howley, Jur Vrieling, Henrik von Eckermann, Malin Baryard-Johnsson and Jessica Springsteen are all eager to shine in the spotlight.

French riders will proudly represent their home nation, with renowned names including Julien Anquetin, Julien Epaillard, Nina Mallevaey, Gregory Cottard and Ines Joly. The U25 talent is also back out in full force this week, featuring the likes of two-time LGCT Grand Prix winner Mikey Pender, Antoine Ermann, Sophie Hinners, Giacomo Casadei and Géraldine Straumann.

Known as the City of Stars and located just a stone's throw away from the world-famous La Croisette, the LGCT of Cannes event is a magnificent blend of glamour and top-class sport. Against the backdrop of glittering evening lights and the picturesque Mediterranean Port of Cannes adorned with luxurious super-yachts, this French Riviera horse show is a truly exceptional experience. Originally known as the "International Show Jumping of Cannes," the event has grown exponentially since joining the Tour, attracting more than 15,000 visitors each summer.

Visitors are drawn to the unparalleled level of equestrian sport on display and the presence of international show jumping icons. In addition to witnessing thrilling competitions, they also indulge in the unique ambience, glamour, and vibrant nightlife of this renowned city, home to the illustrious Cannes Film Festival. Don't miss out on this spectacular event and find out which rider will steal the spotlight and join the esteemed list of past winners. Tune in live on GCTV this Thursday - Saturday.