Top 3 Championship Contenders and World’s Best Land In French Riviera for Longines Global Champions Tour of St Tropez, Ramatuelle

Athletes are preparing for breathtaking competition in the sun-soaked destination at the Longines Global Champions Tour of St Tropez Ramatuelle which is synonymous with elegance and style. The Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show promises to be an exhilarating experience for spectators as they witness the finest athletes and their extraordinary equine partners go head-to-head. In complete contrast to the huge grass arena of Madrid, the tour moves to a tricky arena next to the ocean with a 1.8% slope putting combinations to the test. 

With a glamorous Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show shopping village, a stunning atmospherical “Piazza,” with its central champagne meeting bar open from sunrise to sunset and a Saint Tropez-style "after-party” each day featuring international DJs and exciting live performances, the show is going to be an unmissable weekend!

All top 3 ranked riders in the 2023 LGCT Championship standings are present at the first French Rivier event of the year with Maikel van der Vleuten, hailing from the Netherlands, having to make crucial strategic decisions this weekend to stay in pole position.

Currently second in the 2023 Championship race, last year’s winner in St Tropez Malin Bayard-Johnsson returns with her star horsepower of H&M Indiana. Currently this year H&M Indiana has jumped seven 1.60m classes and placed in 6 of those with never more than a single rail down. Can she defend her title in sunny St Tropez? While Abdel Said who sits in third on the ranking going into St Tropez the fifth LGCT Grand Prix of the season will have to perform in Saturday’s showdown if he hopes to leapfrog into the lead. 

Last year’s Longines Global Champions Tour Championship winner Ben Maher makes his much-anticipated return to the series this week after some time off due to injury. The 3x Championship winner and 2018’s LGCT Grand Prix of St Tropez, Ramatuelle winner will be aiming to kick start his campaign after being out of the championship race for the last four months. 

 

Highlighted among the stellar list of participants are renowned riders world number one Henrik von Eckermann, Laura Kraut, Niels Bruynseels and Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli. These equestrian stars bring their exceptional skill, talent, and competitive spirit to the arena, guaranteeing three days of heart-pounding action.

In flying form and fresh from her win in Madrid a couple of weeks ago Edwina Tops-Alexander will be back alongside Daniel Deusser, Simon Delestre, Gregory Wathelet, John Whitaker, Spencer Smith and Olivier Philippaerts. 

The Longines Global Champions Tour of St Tropez offers a unique platform for these world-class athletes to showcase their skills and compete for glory. As they navigate challenging courses filled with technicalities and obstacles, the riders will demonstrate their ability to forge strong partnerships with their horses and deliver remarkable displays of horsemanship.

The Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show, a highlight of the equestrian calendar, promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees, whether they are avid equestrian fans, casual spectators, or newcomers to the sport.

Join us in St Tropez from June 1 to 3, 2023, and witness the exhilarating displays of talent, athleticism, and teamwork at the Longines Global Champions Tour. Be part of the electrifying atmosphere as these exceptional riders compete for top honors next to the legendary Pampelonne Beach with it's turquoise waters and enviable blue skies.