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New format for the Global Champions League

Sunday, 29 January 2017
Global Champions League 2017

Photo (c) GCL / Stefano Grasso. The Global Champions League has been given a new format for 2017. Photo (c) GCL / Stefano Grasso.

The Global Champions League has announced that the series has been given a new format for the 2017 season.

The second season of the series, will see the GCL class take place over two days instead of one. And for the first time, GCL riders will be able to earn Longines Ranking points as well as extra prize money. A total of €22 million euros will be on offer for riders this season from both the GCL and LGCT events. 

The 2017 Global Champions League season, which is now officially approved by the FEI, will open in Mexico City in April with teams competing at 15 destinations around the world.

Here is the brief guide to the new format released by the GCL organizers:

"How does it all begin?

The first part of the League will be on the opening day of each event and this CSI5* 1.50/1.55m class will see teams’ combined scores taken forward to the second class.

After the League riders have completed their rounds, the class will open to individual riders. All riders in this class will be chasing Longines world ranking points and prize money.

What happens next?

The second part of the GCL competition also doubles as a qualifier for the LGCT Grand Prix. It will be a CSI5* 1.55/1.60m class. This takes place on Saturdays at every event before the LGCT Grand Prix.

Individual riders, not associated with teams, will be the first to start in this class to try to qualify for the LGCT Grand Prix.

Then the GCL teams will take centre stage, carrying through their combined faults from the first class. The results of the League riders will count towards their overall team score, but now their performance will also determine whether they qualify for the LGCT Grand Prix as individuals.

The overall winners of the League competition will be the team with the least combined faults and quickest time.

And the final part?

The top 25 riders from the League and Individual starters in the second class will qualify for the LGCT Grand Prix. The LGCT Grand Prix will feature one round and a jump-off. All riders will start on a clean zero score.

A quick recap on what’s new…

League riders can now make their class scores count for both their team and for their individual position to qualify for the LGCT Grand Prix.

The League will take place over two days during the event, not just one.

Teams can now change horses and/or riders for the two GCL classes triggering more intensive tactical battles. Strategy and intra-team strengths will be crucial as different riders and horses are fielded for particular circumstances.

This year’s transfer window (17th July - 24th July 2017) will be a critical point in the season as teams re-evaluate to gain maximum advantage on the road to the League championship final.

The top 25 individual riders will qualify for the LGCT Grand Prix which now consists of one round and a jump off.

Coming Next…

Further information about the 2017 GCL teams will be announced soon with special reports on riders, horses and the events around the globe. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news."

 


Source: Press release from the Global Champions League // Picture © Stefano Grasso/GCL



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