Edited press release from Global Champions League

Set in the ancient Circus Maximus, today’s GCL of Rome cliffhanger saw the series lead switch up as Berlin Eagles went from two points behind Stockholm Hearts to two points ahead.

Stepping up when it counted, London Knight's pulled out all the stops in the second round of the GCL of Rome. Having already finished both second and third on the podium this season, a win in Rome for U25 rider Mike Kawai and Samuel Hutton could not have come at a better time as the championship standings are tighter than ever.

A beaming Mike Kawai, who is trained by Jan Tops, spoke of the team's feelings following today's top of the podium finish: "It's unbelievable. This feeling is actually amazing because I have always wanted to be on top of the podium in the league and to win the class it feels incredible - we finally did it! I couldn't be happier. Rome is amazing, I love this show - the atmosphere is amazing. "

Delivering a double clear when it mattered most, Samuel Hutton of the London Knights echoed Kawai's sentiment and was thrilled with his mount, Oak Grove's Laith (London x Quaprice), in only their second show together. "I am so happy, I can't explain, we really stuck together as a team. Abdel was there helping us and it was a great feeling. We are going to be fighting for a Top 4 finish that is for sure."

Berlin Eagles powered by Fundis managed to climb eight places, securing second in Rome as Ludger Beerbaum and Christian Kukuk crucially took the lead in the championship with just two stages to go. Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses had to settle for bronze today as it came down to time and Peder Fredricson and Malin Bayard Johnsson played it a bit too safe dropping them behind the Eagles.

Fighting for the championship lead, Berlin Eagles powered by Fundis, put together a strong performance this weekend with riders Ludger Beerbaum and Christian Kukuk producing a double clear in round two to keep them on their overnight score of eight faults. Mila (Monte Bellini x Linton) and Mumbai (Diamant de Semilly x Nabab de Reve), the impressive mounts of Beerbaum and Kukuk, showed that they meant business in the final sprint to the championship final and enough to see them finish in second place today - crucially just ahead of the Stockholm Hearts.