Dutch rider Harrie Smolders secured himself the 2017 Longines Global Champions Tour-title on Saturday, when ending second in the Tour’s penultimate Grand Prix of this season in Rome.

Smolders became the first rider in LGCT history to secure the title ahead of the final, which takes place in Doha in November. Collecting a total of 278 points, Smolders went off with the title after another top result today with Don VHP Z (Diamant de Semilly x Voltaire) to conclude the Tour before its final leg of the season – none of those coming behind will be able to catch up with the European Vice Champion regardless of their result in Doha.