Edited press release from Longines Global Champions Tour

Intense competition is expected as the Longines Global Champions Tour returns to Cannes this week for the 40th anniversary of Jumping Cannes. With three of the top five riders on the LGCT ranking set to compete, anticipation is at an all-time high for this year's event.

Leading the championship race, Dutch rider Maikel van der Vleuten will be determined to extend his lead as Belgium's Abdel Said won’t be present this week but back fighting for the LGCT Championship in Stockholm next week. In search of his first LGCT Grand Prix win this season, Christian Kukuk – currently in third place – aims to finally get to the top spot of the podium in LGCT Grand Prix of Cannes and secure a golden ticket to the prestigious LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague.

On flying form this season, two-time LGCT Champion, Edwina Tops-Alexander, is closing in on the top spot after her win in the LGCT Grand Prix of Madrid and double clear last week in St. Tropez. Currently 6th on the 2023 rankings; will she be able to match Ben Maher and claim her third Championship victory this year? This week, her performance in Cannes will be crucial to her place on the overall standings.

The world's best showjumpers will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory in Cannes. Esteemed names such as Daniel Deusser, Katrin Eckermann, Jur Vrieling, Harrie Smolders, John Whitaker, Niels Bruynseels, Pieter Devos, Denis Lynch, Spencer Smith, and Malin Baryard-Johnsson are all eager to shine in the spotlight, while home riders include Philippe Rozier, Julien Anquetin, Philippe Léoni, and Alexa Ferrer. The U25 talent is back out in full force this week, with Mikey Pender, Gilles Thomas, Lily Attwood and Natalie Dean all on the entry list.