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

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, GCL Paris presented by L'Équipe delivered another unforgettable night of team jumping as Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym produced the only flawless performance to secure victory in stage seven of the season.

While rivals faltered under pressure, Riesenbeck International remained ice cool. Marco Kutscher (GER) on Pikeur Lemar NRW (Los Angeles x Baloubet du Rouet) and Maximilian Weishaupt (GER) aboard Zuccero HV (VDL Zirocco Blue x Caretino) delivered four clear rounds from four attempts to finish on a perfect score of zero faults, stopping the clock in a combined time of 144.52 seconds.

The victory not only secured maximum GCL points but also propelled Riesenbeck International to the top of the overall standings after seven stages, opening up a 12-point advantage heading into Monaco.

Joining them on the podium were Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, who recovered brilliantly after carrying four faults from Round 1. Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli (SWE) on Iron Dames Calvino II de Nyze Z (Calvaro F.C. x Heartbreaker) and Jörne Sprehe (GER) on Hickstead White (Hickstead x Coupe de Couer) bounced back with two immaculate clears in round two to climb into second place on four faults.

Completing the podium were Riyadh Knights, with just a single time fault from round one, Olivier Perreau (FRA) on Himalaya du Temple (Toulon x Radieux) and Cian O'Connor (IRL) aboard Gospel Tame (Quadrio Tame x Panama Tame) delivered when it mattered most, adding just four faults in round two to secure third place and a valuable haul of GCL points.

Having ridden last week in Ramatuelle, St. Tropez as the teams’ reserve rider before being called into the team for stage seven, Maximilian Weishaupt embraced the opportunity. Reflecting on two flawless rounds in front of the packed Paris crowd aboard Zuccero HV, he praised both the horses and the atmosphere that helped drive the team to victory. "I'm super happy. Both of our horses are naturally very competitive and both horses, as well as us riders, did a very good job today. We cannot be more satisfied with our rounds and our horses. The crowd was also fantastic and this location is so truly iconic, so thank you all."

After securing a second consecutive GCL win following last week's success, Marco Kutscher spoke about the growing confidence within the Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym camp. While acknowledging a difficult start to the season, the experienced German rider believes the team's recent form has reignited their ambitions. "We didn't have such a good start, but now we've won the last two stages, so we've stepped up in the rankings. We're looking forward to the next competitions and we hope to compete the same way over the coming weeks. To win a week ago and then come here to Paris and do it again is very special… now for Monaco!"

After another strong performance from Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, Jörne Sprehe reflected on the fine margins that define team competition at the highest level. While a single rail ultimately separated the team from victory, she took pride in the collective effort that secured valuable GCL points. "One fence being the difference is maybe a bit hard to swallow sometimes, but I have some really outstanding teammates, so it was still a really good result for us."

After guiding two different horses through the competition and helping Riyadh Knights deliver a valuable podium result, Cian O'Connor was pleased with both the team's performance and the way his horses rose to the challenge in Paris."We're really happy. The horses jumped great and Olivier rode really well too. My horse was fantastic in the first round and Gospel had to shorten up a bit for the second round because the time was tight, but he handled that really well. To be on the podium and get Riyadh Knights up there, we're certainly very happy."