Madrid in Motion Strike First as GCL Returns to Miami Beach for Landmark 2026 Season Opener

Set against the electric backdrop of Miami Beach, with the Atlantic Ocean shimmering just beyond the arena, the GCL roared back into action for the 2026 season opener - marking not only the return to one of the Tour’s most iconic destinations, but the start of a milestone year for the sport.

After a one-year hiatus, the GCL returned to the shores of Miami Beach, where it all began in 2016. A decade on, the world’s premier team series launched its 10th championship season in fitting style, alongside the 20th anniversary year of the Longines Global Champions Tour - two decades of innovation, and ten years of redefining team competition at the very highest level.

And from the very first round, one message rang clear - Madrid in Motion mean business in 2026.

Delivering a composed, strategic and ultimately flawless performance, they set the benchmark early, combining experience, horsepower and precision to take the first win of the season on the Miami sand and claim maximum championship points from Stage 1.

This was a new era of GCL.

With a revised format introduced for 2026, the pressure was on from the outset. Teams were required to field their strongest combinations early, with Round 1 now set at 1.60m, before only the top 10 teams progressed to Round 2 at 1.55m. The result was a high-stakes, knockout-style showdown designed to elevate intensity, sharpen strategy and deliver a more engaging, fast-paced competition for fans and riders alike.

As show jumping’s ultimate team challenge, the GCL continues to bring together the world’s best riders in a format where tactics, horsepower and precision define success. In 2026, 17 multinational teams line up across the global season, blending established champions, podium regulars and rising U25 talent under the direction of experienced team managers. With every stage carrying valuable championship points, the race is officially underway.

As Madrid in Motion’s Maikel van der Vleuten reflected, “Today’s performance - I think we can be very proud of our riders, our horses, and all the people involved who helped us to this victory. It’s a fantastic feeling to start the season with a win, and we’re very happy with that.”

Teammate Victor Bettendorf added, “I’m really, really happy with the horses because, yeah, some have a bit of character, but the quality is unbelievable. I was a bit afraid because Eric was putting a lot of pressure on me right after Maikel, so I’m really happy that round saved the victory.”

He continued, “We said we just needed two clears and then we’d be fine. We talked a bit about strategy - not to be too slow in case we had one down - and I think we did a perfect job today. All the riders were amazing, the horses as well, so thank you to the whole team. It’s great to be part of that adventure.”

Finishing just behind them, Valkenswaard United proved they remain a dominant force following their championship-winning season of 2025. With a polished and consistent performance, they secured second place on the Miami sand.

Speaking after the class, Edwina Tops-Alexander said, “The team and the horses were amazing - really consistent and in great shape. We just tried to jump quick, clear rounds, and we were quick enough as well because we didn’t want to take any risk if we had another one down. We’re really happy.”

Rounding out the podium, new team Cairo Pharos made an immediate statement in their debut GCL season. Delivering a confident and cohesive performance, they secured third place and signalled their arrival as serious contenders.

Reflecting on the result, Pim Mulder said with a smile, “Maybe I’m not that experienced, so I asked Nayel - his horse jumped so well - ‘are you sure I ride the second round?’ But he said he was sure, and I’m really glad. The support from the team gave me a lot of trust.”

Behind the podium, the new knockout format delivered drama from the very first round. Only the top 10 teams advanced, with early exits for Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem, Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois, Shanghai Swans, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym and Doha Falcons - underlining the unforgiving nature of the new structure.

St Tropez Pirates were first out in round two, with Piergiorgio Bucci delivering a sharp clear aboard Pallieter vd N.Ranch (0/69.46), but faults from Kaitlin Campbell left them finishing 9th overall on 20 faults (136.79s).

For New York Empire powered by Lugano, it was a costly round as Michael Pender picked up two down with HHS Calais, while Max Wachman added a rail aboard Fancy de Kergane, leaving them to settle for 10th on 20 faults (146.81s).

A determined effort from Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team saw Pieter Devos deliver a strong four fault with Panamarenka van den Blauwaert and clear from Niels Bruynseels in round 2 but earlier penalties ultimately placed them 7th on12 faults (139.74s).

Among the standout performances of the round 2, Monaco Aces rose to the occasion as Iñigo Lopez de la Osa Franco (Perle van’t Ongereet) and Duarte Seabra (Cooper LB) both jumped clear to hold their round one score. Seabra’s crucial double clear secured 6th overall on 8 faults (150.25s).

Under pressure, Mexico Amigos were unable to recover, with Zoe Hank Conter collecting a rail on Tombola Z and Eduardo Pereira de Menezes also faulting with H5 Kontador VDM, finishing 8th on 16 faults (139.32s).

Setting the pace early, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames surged into the provisional lead thanks to a blistering double clear from Sophie Hinners (Lommers) and Katrin Eckermann (Chao Lee), stopping the clock in 135.80 to take 4th place on 8 faults (135.80s).

It wasn’t quite enough for Scandinavian Vikings to match the leaders, as clear fromSara Vingralkova (Rock’n Roll MXL) but Susan Fitzpatrick (Lovely Stassi PS) picked up one rail, finishing 5th on 8 faults (148.31s).

Delivering a breakthrough performance, Cairo Pharaohs impressed as one of the standout new teams, with Annelies Vorsselmans (VDL Kelton) and Pim Mulder (Viktor Z) both producing clear rounds to secure a strong 3rd place finish on 4 faults (150.35s).

Returning as defending champions, Valkenswaard United showed their class, with Edwina Tops-Alexander (Cydello) and Gilles Thomas (Qiara de Kalvarie) both producing double clears under pressure to take 2nd place on 4 faults (141.55).

With everything on the line, it all came down to Madrid in Motion. Rising to the moment, Maikel van der Vleuten (Beauville Z N.O.P.) and Victor Bettendorf (Atchoum de la Roque Z) delivered flawless rounds, securing a decisive win as the only clean sheet of the day in a thrilling finish on Miami Beach.

As the sun set over Miami Beach, the message was clear - the 2026 GCL season has begun at full throttle.

With championship points now on the board and the leaderboard beginning to take shape, attention turns to the next stage of the global campaign.

The GCL heads to Mexico City on 17 April, where Stage 2 of the 2026 championship race will unfold at the spectacular grass arena of Campo Marte - offering a completely different test as the battle for the title intensifies.