Press release from Global Champions League, edited by World of Showjumping

A dramatic showdown unfolded at the iconic Club de Campo Villa de Madrid as Prague Lions powered by the Czech Equestrian Team rose to victory in the 2026 GCL of Madrid presented by Marques de Riscal, edging out Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team in a nail-biting finish that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Delivering when it mattered most, Niels Bruynseels (BEL) aboard Oaky Flandria (Cabrio vd Heffinck x Cumano) and Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) with Lady van de Haarterhoeve (Casall x Clarimo) combined for a decisive performance, supported by a lightning-fast opening round from Thibeau Spits (BEL) on Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z (Indoktro K van’T Kattenheye x Vagabond de La Pomme). Holding their nerve under relentless pressure, the trio delivered across both rounds to secure the win on a single time fault in a contest where every second counted.

Under warm Madrid skies, the latest stage of the 2026 GCL season delivered intensity from start to finish. With no margin for error in the fast-paced two-round format, the leaderboard constantly shifted, underlining the razor-thin margins at the top and setting the tone for an electrifying European leg.

Delivering when it mattered most, the Prague Lions rose to the top in Madrid with a performance defined by precision, teamwork and composure under pressure. Anchoring the team’s success, Fernando Martinez Sommer reflected on just how important this result could be in the context of the championship race: “Getting maximum points here in Madrid was absolutely crucial for us, so I’m incredibly proud of the team today. Everyone delivered when it mattered, and that’s what makes the difference at this level. It’s hard to sum up our team spirit in one word, but the atmosphere between us is just fantastic - there’s real support, real trust, and you feel that in the ring. It’s still a long championship ahead, but this is exactly the kind of result we need, and we’ll keep pushing all the way.”

Adding to the winning effort, Niels Bruynseels praised both his teammates and the unique atmosphere of competing in the Spanish capital, highlighting what makes victory in Madrid so special: “I probably didn’t make it easy for Fernando - I kept the pressure on a bit! But when you have teammates like this, it gives you confidence to go out and do your job. Madrid is always a highlight for me, it’s one of my favourite shows. The crowd is unbelievable, the arena is beautiful, and everything for the horses is top class. It’s a special place to win, for sure.”

Pushing all the way to the final line, second placed Istanbul Warriors made it clear they were in the hunt for top honours from start to finish. Reflecting on a hard-fought result, Abdel Saïd (BEL) – riding Wathnan Zasou vom Claashof (Zinedine x Lord Z) – highlighted the team’s determination and fighting spirit: “Honestly, that was a proper fight right to the end. My horse gave me everything. Of course you always want the win, but to come away with a podium and leading the championship is a great feeling.”

Backing it up with a strong second round, Simon Delestre (FRA) – who delivered a clear on round two on Gatsby du Tillard (President x Diamant de Semilly) – emphasised the technical demands of the track and the importance of bouncing back when it mattered most: “It was a tough track, technical and quick, so you had to be really precise. I’m happy with how my horse jumped in the second round. The level is so high, margins are tiny, but this gives us a lot of confidence going forward for the rest of the season.”

Home favourites Madrid in Motion rose to the occasion in front of the Spanish crowd, producing a composed performance to secure third place on home soil. Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) – riding Quastor vd Heffinck (Rock’N Roll Semilly x Contact vd Heffinck) – pointed to the importance of consistency across both rounds: “It was a challenging class and you really had to stay focused from start to finish. A podium in Madrid is always special, especially in front of this crowd.”

For Sergio Álvarez Moya (ESP), competing in Madrid brought an extra layer of motivation, with the Spanish rider proud to deliver for the home fans with Quadrado (Comme Il Faut x Diamant de Semilly): “Riding here at home always means a bit more, so I really wanted to deliver for the team. To finish on the podium in Madrid is something to be proud of, and we’ll keep building from here!”

The GCL overall ranking battle tightened dramatically after Madrid, with Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team and Basel Cosmopolitans powered by Les Trois Rois now locked at the top of the leaderboard on 69 points apiece. Hot on their heels, Prague Lions powered by  the Czech Equestrian Team surge into third with 68 points following their victory, keeping the pressure firmly on the leaders. Just behind, Valkenswaard United sit in fourth on 67.5, while St Tropez Pirates round out the top five on 65 points, underlining just how close and competitive this year’s title race is becoming.