Valkenswaard United Takes Pole Position in Madrid After GCL Round 1

GCL day is off to an electric start in the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid as the world’s top riders went head to head in Madrid. Valkenswaard United has secured pole position in Round 1 of the GCL competition in Madrid.

Gilles Thomas was first up for Valkenswaard United. Thomas rode clear on his 10 year old Selle Français stallion Ermitage Kalone, putting the team in an excellent position. Thomas was followed by showjumping legend John Whitaker aboard Equine America Unick du Francport. Whitaker posted a quick, clear round aboard the 16 year old bay gelding, securing the lead for his team.

Riesenbeck International sits in second place after Round 1. Christian Kukuk put in a swift, clear round aboard the 10 year old KWPN mare, Just Be Gentle. Philipp Weishaupt riding his bay gelding, Zineday, came home clean for Riesenbeck International, securing second place for the team. 

New York Empire finds themselves in third going into Round 2. Denis Lynch made quick work of the course aboard his Holsteiner stallion, Cordial, but unfortunately acquired four faults. Lynch was followed by teammate Scott Brash Brash who posted the fastest round of Round 1 aboard Hello Valentino.

The tension was palpable as home team Madrid in Motion took to the arena. Maikel van der Vleuten was first up for the team riding Dywis HH. Van der Vleuten fell victim to the final combination, acquiring four faults. Teammate Eduardo Alvarez Aznar was second to go for the team. Aznar posted a clear round on his home turf riding the 11 year old D'Orient Batilly, securing fourth place for the team.

Rounding out the top five going into Round 2 is the Istanbul Warriors. Olivier Robert delivered a clear quick round for the team riding the 11 year old stallion, Iglesias D.V. Next up was his teammate Géraldine Straumann. The U25 rider put in a smooth round aboard Long John Silver. Unfortunately the pair acquired four faults on course but the two were still able to secure a top five finish for the team. 

With Round 2 this evening, all eyes will be on the home team. Can Madrid in Motion secure a podium finish on their home turf in Madrid? How will the GCL Championship standing move around? Tune in via GCTV to witness all of the thrilling action live from Madrid.