What really went down in the GCL of Valkenswaard?

Marc Lewis and Rosie Turner sat down with GCL insiders Roy van Beek and Amanda Landeblad to unpack all the action, drama, and strategic shakeups from Stage 10 of the GCL 2025, in this episode of 'THE DAY AFTER'

From tactical brilliance to heartbreak, the latest stage delivered a pivotal moment in the championship storyline - and there’s a lot to unpack.

Prague Lions Power to the Podium

The crowd roared as Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team claimed their first GCL victory of the 2025 season - and in true style. With Pieter Devos delivering rock-solid rounds on Lente and Primo DV, and Fernando Martinez Sommer adding the finishing touches aboard Joep, the Lions were the only team to finish on four faults. It was a tactical masterclass that earned them maximum championship points and a long-awaited moment at the top.

“It was about time that we won!” exclaimed Pieter Devos. “We’ve had a really good season so far, but a few times we just missed the top spot. Today we finally made it - and we couldn’t be happier.”

With the GC Prague Playoffs and GCL Super Cup looming large, this result couldn’t have come at a better time. “Our team manager Anna said we need to ‘be on the ball’, and she’s right,” Devos continued. “Towards the end of the season, every point matters. We just missed out on the top four last year, so hopefully we can hold our position - or even climb higher.”

Valkenswaard United: Still Wearing the Armband

For home team Valkenswaard United, it was another consistent, high-impact performance. With Gilles Thomas piloting two talented nine-year-olds - Qalista DN and Qiara de Kalvarie - and Hans-Dieter Dreher delivering on Vestmalle des Cotis and the ever-reliable Elysium, they locked in second place and tightened their grip on the championship lead.

With six podium finishes this season - three wins and three second places - Valkenswaard United continue to show why they’re two-time GCL champions and title favourites once again.

“It’s been going pretty well this season, which is why we’re still wearing these!” laughed Gilles, pointing proudly at his team leader armband during the GCTV interview.

Hans-Dieter echoed the sentiment: “We are a really strong team - but the season isn’t over yet. We’ve still got some fighting to do if we want to keep that top spot.”

Championship Standings After Stage 10

The GCL leaderboard is now tighter than ever:

1st Place - Valkenswaard United – 203 pts

2nd Place - Shanghai Swans – 201 pts

3rd Place - Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames – 198 pts

4th Place - Prague Lions – 172 pts

This top-four positioning is critical, with only four teams qualifying directly to the semi-finals of the GCL Super Cup at the GC Playoffs in Prague. For the Lions, this stage win may prove decisive in securing their place.

Vikings Break Through with First Podium of the Season

The Scandinavian Vikings made a statement with their first podium of 2025, finishing third after a cohesive team effort. Amanda Landeblad, riding Springfield 21, made only her second appearance for the squad after joining as a mid-season transfer - and made it count.

“It’s honestly such a good experience to ride for this team, and with someone like Jur [Vrieling] by my side, I feel I’m learning with every round,” Amanda told GCTV. “Being at these amazing venues makes it even more special.”

Alongside Amanda, Jur Vrieling (Kannan JR) and Sara Vingralkova (Rock'n Roll Mxl) helped anchor the Vikings’ strong showing, and with this confidence-boosting result, they could yet cause more disruption in the latter stages of the season.

Dreams Dashed: Madrid in Motion’s Championship Setback

It wasn’t all celebration in Valkenswaard. Madrid in Motion, previously sitting fifth on the leaderboard, suffered a disastrous elimination in Round 1. Kim Emmen dropped two rails aboard Kesmitt Dmh, and an uncharacteristic runout from Manuel Fernandez Saro and Ezilis du Mesnil sealed their fate.

The result could mark a critical blow to their hopes of a top-four finish - and with just a few stages remaining, time is running out to turn things around.

With the championship race heating up, momentum building, and pressure mounting, Stage 10 has only added fuel to the fire.

As Rosie Turner summed it up in the GCTV studio: “This isn’t just about individual classes anymore. Every round, every rail, every ride is shaping the destiny of the 2025 championship.”