Team Europe sweep the Riders Masters Cup Series in New York

Air of Europe in New York, as the Team of the Old Continent led by Philippe Guerdat edged out the U.S. riders at the Longines Masters, the new competition format of the Riders Masters Cup taking place at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The American crew was guided by coach Robert Didland, who selected for this $200,000 prize competition, a quarted made up by McLain Ward, facing Kevin Staut in the opening duel, Georgina Bloomberg against Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders, Adrienne Sternlicht to challenge Belgium’s Olivier Philippaerts, Beezie Madden against Gregory Wathelet, and the final match between European title holder Peder Fredricson and Laura Kraut.

The first round saw Team Europe dominating four to one over the American riders. In Round 2, with points doubled, Team USA almost managed to stage an epic comeback, surging ahead seven to four thanks to a great performance by  Georgina Bloomberg.

The excitement continued to mount since the last four challenges would decide the winners. Adrienne Sternlicht gave it her best shot with Pembroke, but when a rail fell Fredricson claimed two valuable points for Riders Europe, tightening the gap and making it seven to six in favor of the Americans.

It all came down to the final duel, which saw two of the fastest riders in the world pitted against each other. McLain Ward guided HH Gigi’s Girl home in a blistering fast time of 54.82 seconds. But Harrie Smolders never faltered, crossing the timers in an unbelievable 52.91 seconds with Cas 2 to give back Team Europe the edge.

The Riders Masters Cup will now be staged at the Longines Masters in Paris from November 30 to December 2, 2018.

Press Release Longines Masters New York
Photo: team winners © Jessica Rodrigues x JUMPFAX-4