8 out of top 10 LGCT ranked riders set to reach new heights as Longines Global Champions Tour hits Mexico City
Showjumping’s heavyweights are starting to arrive in Mexico City for the third leg of the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour, where they will compete 2,250 metres above sea level as part of the diverse and far-reaching global Championship. With the top international horses in the world already arriving in Mexico’s capital city straight from Miami Beach, anticipation is building for a thrilling showcase of top sport and entertainment in front of electric crowds.
Although still early on in the season, the championship battle is in full swing with 8 of the top 10 ranked riders in the current championship standings heading to Mexico City intensifying the season race already. Ludger Beerbaum currently on 59 points will be aiming to extend his lead this week but Michael Duffy will be hot on his heels just two points behind on 57 and known for good form in the expansive grass arena in Mexico City.
Germany’s Christian Ahlmann sits in third place on the season ranking going into Mexico City with 53 points and a huge amount of horsepower to carry him through the season but will he excel in a completely different environment to last week’s event on the Beach?
However, there will be plenty of top contenders in action this week including Bart Bles, last week’s LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach winner Katrin Eckermann, Maikel van der Vleuten, Michael Pender, Jur Vrieling, Gilles Thomas, Shane Breen, Pieter Devos, Christian Kukuk, Darragh Kenny, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Ben Maher and Niels Bruynseels just a handful of A-list names heading to the second leg of the Championship.
With a golden ticket for the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in the forefront of their minds, the stars of show jumping know a strong start at the beginning of the season could pay dividends as the battle unfolds. However, the 16 event season will be a true test for the most rounded and consistent athletes in the sport, challenging the best in unique locations worldwide, from expansive grass arenas such as Mexico City and Madrid’s Club de Campo, to the small yacht-lined stage set in Monaco’s Port Hercule.
With over 20,000 fans in attendance, LGCT Mexico City has become an unmissable event on the show jumping calendar. Fans around the world will be able to watch via GCTV, the live streaming service, which this year features further innovations, expert analysis and the best view of the sporting action from the comfort of a tablet or laptop. As well as increased streaming, fans will be able to keep up to date via the LGCT and GCL official social media platforms, with an inclusive behind the scenes experience and unique perspective of the GC world.
Press Release Longines Global Champions Tour / GCL
Photo LGCT (c)
