Edited press release from Global Champions League

Taking their fourth win of the 2024-season, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames pulled out all the stops to win the GCL of Riesenbeck as the only team on a clean sheet. 

Local heroes Katrin Eckermann (GER) and U25 rider Sophie Hinners (GER) secured back-to-back GCL wins, this time in a huge grass arena compared to Monaco’s compact sand arena just a couple weeks ago. Riding Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW (Capistrano x Valentino), Chao Lee (Comme Il Faut x Chacco-Blue), Iron Dames My Prins (Zilverstar T x Winningmood) and Iron Dames Singclair (Singular LS La Silla x Cardento), the emotional duo extended their GCL ranking lead to 26 points after success in the heart of Germany. 

Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV shot up the GCL ranking after a second place finish from Laura Kraut (USA), Kyle Timm (CAN) and Nina Mallevaey (FRA) on Bisquetta (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek), Casino Calvin (Casino Berlin OLD x Calvin), Candar Mail (Lando x Fergar Mail) and Cartier SR (Canturenter x San Patrignano Cassini). It was a bitter sweet podium finish for the home team Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland who were hoping to bring home the win for their home crowd. However, Christian Kukuk (GER) and Philipp Weishaupt (GER) on Just Be Gentle (Tyson x Ticallus Verte), Checker 47 (Comme Il Faut x Come On), Coby 8 (Contagio x Escudo) and Zineday (Zinedine x Polydor) had to settle for third place this time. 

Speaking with GCTV directly after their win, Eckermann said: “I am a bit lost for words. It really was a lot of pressure with Riesenbeck International going straight before us, I knew I could have one down, but here at the top level we all know how fast a fault can happen… but both our horses jumped amazing, we rode very well - we were really fighting for it today. I can’t describe this feeling - just wow, woman power!”

“It’s amazing that again we could deliver four clear rounds," Hinners added. "It’s an unbelievable feeling here in Germany in front of our family and friends… we won in Monaco and we have shown we can now do it again, and we can all be so proud and thankful for our team standing behind us - without them, this could not be possible.”

Cannes Stars extend the GCL ranking lead with 229 points, while Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses now sit second with 203 points after a tough finish in Riesenbeck. Doha Falcons stay in third place on 196 points, while rounding off the battle for the top four, the Riesenbeck International have finished the eleventh stage with the exact same points of 196.