Vienna’s Must Watch Moment: Lara Tryba Delivers Under Pressure for Scandinavian Vikings

A dream setting. A decisive clear. A first-ever GCL podium — straight to the top step. Lara Tryba and Shot Gun delivered Vienna’s Must Watch Moment as Scandinavian Vikings claimed a spectacular victory at Schönbrunn Palace.

With the victory within reach and no room for a fence down, Lara Tryba rode into the arena for a round she will never forget.

Beneath the lights of Schönbrunn Palace, Tryba and Shot Gun delivered a faultless performance in 77.94 seconds, securing the GCL of Vienna title for Scandinavian Vikings and making her first-ever GCL podium appearance a winning one.

It was a moment that brought together everything that makes GCL compelling: team ambition, mounting pressure and a rider delivering when it mattered most.

Two Rounds, No Fences Down

Scandinavian Vikings had kept themselves firmly in contention through Round 1. Tryba and Shot Gun collected just one time penalty, while teammate Jur Vrieling and VDL Mattias added two. With every fence standing, their total of 3 penalties left the team within striking distance heading into the decisive second round.

Vrieling then set the stage aboard Glyn Slam VDL, producing a clear in 76.92 seconds. The opportunity was there. Now it came down to Tryba.

With Scandinavian Vikings carrying 3 penalties and Riesenbeck International finishing on 4, another clear would secure the win.

Tryba held her nerve. Together with Shot Gun, she delivered the performance her team needed, crossing the finish line without adding a single penalty. Scandinavian Vikings were victorious — and Tryba had earned her place on the top step of a GCL podium for the first time.

“The Cherry on the Cake”

For Tryba, the setting made the achievement even more special.

“I’ve said it before, this is my favourite LGCT of the whole year. Just riding into the palace feels like a dream. This venue, the audience, the atmosphere - everything is so beautiful. To come here and be the winners is truly the cherry on the cake.”

Her teammate was equally clear about the significance of her contribution.

“I’m really proud of both my stallions today, and to come back here in Austria and perform well is very special. But I think the most special thing today was Lara’s performance. There was so much pressure on her going into that final round and she did an incredible job performing here,” said Vrieling.

Coming into Vienna in 16th place in the Championship, Scandinavian Vikings produced their standout result of the season, collecting the full 30 points with just three regular-season stages remaining.

At the heart of that victory was Tryba and Shot Gun’s outstanding partnership: no fences down across either round, a decisive clear under pressure and a milestone achieved against one of the most extraordinary backdrops in world sport.

Watch Vienna’s Must Watch Moment below and relive the round that secured Scandinavian Vikings’ victory and Lara Tryba’s unforgettable first GCL podium.