GCL Team Series Celebrates Historic 100th Stage in Cannes from 8 – 10 June 2023
Mdmar – GCT – Cannes
GCL, the revolutionary team series in show jumping, is set to mark a momentous milestone with its 100th stage taking place at the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes in a couple of weeks from 8 – 10 June. Since its inception in 2016, the GCL has captured the hearts of equestrian enthusiasts worldwide and transformed the sport with its unique team-based format.
The 100th stage of the GCL will showcase the world’s top show jumping teams, each comprised of two riders. The competition’s exceptional blend of talent, strategy, and high-stakes drama has made it a fan-favorite and a true game-changer in the equestrian world.
Taking place against the stunning backdrop of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes, this historic event will bring together a star-studded lineup of riders, including Olympic champions, world-class athletes, and rising U25 talents. Spectators can expect exhilarating performances as these extraordinary athletes and their equine partners navigate challenging courses, vying for top honors in the heart of the French Riviera.
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“Reaching the 100th leg of the GCL is a significant milestone for us,” said Jan Tops, Founder and President of the Longines Global Champions Tour & GCL. “Since its inception, the GCL has revolutionized team show jumping and created an unparalleled platform for showcasing the sport’s immense talent and passion. We are thrilled to celebrate this achievement at Cannes.”
The GCL has a global following by bringing the excitement and camaraderie of team sports to show jumping. Its innovative team format, where individual scores contribute to the overall team standings, fosters intense competition and strategic collaboration among riders. This unique approach has not only captivated fans but also forged strong bonds between teammates and created an electrifying atmosphere at every leg of the series.
Over the years, the GCL has witnessed unforgettable moments, intense rivalries, and triumphant victories that have solidified its status as a highlight of the show jumping calendar. With the 100th stage set to take place in Cannes, a city renowned for its elegance and glamour, the event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for riders, spectators, and partners alike.
The GCL’s 100th stage at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes is a testament to the series’ exceptional growth and enduring success. As the sport of show jumping continues to evolve, the GCL remains at the forefront, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences around the world.
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GCL 2023 – Show Jumping’s Greatest Team Challenge:
Each stop on the tour sees the teams compete in two rounds. In true championship style, the team’s combined scores from Round 1 are taken through into Round 2. The easy format of no drop score makes it simple for new audiences in each destination to follow the team competition.
Round 1 of the GCL will see riders faced with a CSI 5* 1.55m class, with team managers strategizing for their best approach for a day of intense competition.
A short break between Round 1 and Round 2 could see strategic changes from Team Managers, who can swap in horses and/or riders between the back to back rounds, ultimately producing a highly competitive Round 2.
Round 2 of the GCL takes place straight after Round 1, is a CSI 5* 1.60m class. In Round 2, teams will be represented by two riders from their team, with scores and points at the end of the competition ultimately going towards their overall team score, and series standing.
Throughout the year teams earn points to the overall total and series standings which comes to a head in the Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The teams placed in the top four after the Final will be granted a fast track place at the GC Prague Playoffs for the GCL Super Cup Semi Finals, the ultimate final show-down.
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GCL: 6 QUICK FACTS
1. The GCL competition is the ultimate teams challenge, where riders from across nations compete on the same teams in pursuit of glory
2. Each team can be represented by three riders at every event with only two riders competing in each round
3. Teams are represented by two riders per round, with all scores counting to the final standings
4. Round 2 will see teams carry through their penalties from Round 1, ultimately deciding the starting order for Round 2
5. The overall winners of the GCL competition will be the team with the least combined penalties and the quickest time over Round 2
6. The series culminates in the GC Prague Playoffs where the teams ranked 5th and below will compete in the first day GCL Super Cup Quarter Final, with only eight teams carrying through to the next day’s competition – the Semi Final. They will be joined by the top four ranked teams in the overall season Championship, and battle to finish in the top six, making it through to the Final. Here the winning team will be crowned GCL Super Cup winners.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
