It all came down to time… podium positions decided on seconds, after 3 teams finish on 8 faults.

The third edition of the GCL of Riesenbeck delivered everything fans could have hoped for – drama, precision, and home-turf heroes battling to the wire. On a stage that has already cemented itself as one of the great fixtures of the season, the best teams in the world brought their A-game for Stage 11 of the 2025 GCL championship race.

It was the Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team who stole the spotlight, producing a masterclass of strategy and composure to take the win. Represented by Simon Delestre, Henrik von Eckermann, and Hasan Senturk, the Warriors combined grit and brilliance across both rounds. In Round 1, a rail apiece from Delestre and Senturk left them in a manageable position. Then, under pressure in Round 2, Simon and Henrik delivered a double clear that clinched the team’s second victory of the season by over 10 seconds!

Home heroes Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym gave the local crowd plenty to cheer about, finishing second with a line-up of Christian Kukuk, Max Weishaupt, and Emanuele Camilli. Both Kukuk and Weishaupt produced flawless double clears in Round 2, raising the bar but ultimately just missing out on the top step of the podium.

The ever-consistent Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team rounded out the podium in third. Fielding only two riders, Fernando Martinez Sommer and Niels Bruynseels punched well above their weight, keeping cool under pressure to secure another strong finish in the championship fight.

Henrik von Eckermann, a protege of Beerbaum Stables is no stranger to the arenas of Riesenbeck International. As he said in the winners interview, “having spent 13 years here it really feels like coming home!”

Henrik reflected on the team’s 10-second lead over second place, explaining that he and Simon hadn’t specifically strategised for it, but trusted their natural styles. He said “We rode like we normally do, and with it being a naturally flowing course, it worked in our favour. I want to ride in a way that keeps the motion going, it makes it easier for the horses to jump these big fences. It’s not about riding fast, it’s about having the nice balance and rhythm for the first jump to the last . This is my philosophy with it and today it worked well!”

With the team’s eyes set firmly on the GCL Super Cup at the GC Prague Playoffs, and a potential top four fast track into the Semi Final, Simon added, “Everything is possible! After a bit of bad luck this year, we hope our luck has changed and we are still fighting for something great”

Always chasing the home win, but a clearly delighted Max Weishaupt and Christian Kukuk couldn't wipe the smile off their faces as they donned the second place sashes for today’s GCL. Speaking to GCTV, Christian said “Well, it could be worse! Clearly we are looking forward to taking the win here sometime, especially after three years but I think we are really pleased today with the second place.”

A shift in today’s strategy for round 2, a tactic not often undertaken by team Riesenbeck International with Ludger Beerbaum at the helm, brought Max Weishaupt and Kokomo B in - a 9 year old gelding that had never jumped a 1.60m course. Clearly ready for the challenge, Kokomo and Max produced a faultless round. As Max aptly put it, “he was really fighting for me today!”

Built on togetherness and the longevity of both riders and horses, Prague Lions have already fielded 17 horses in the 2025 season – a strategy that has paid off with their strong Championship position. This week, however, the team competed with only two riders instead of the usual three, leaving no room for error. Niels Bruynseels admitted the added pressure, saying: “Of course there is always the extra pressure if you bring two riders instead of three, for me today I took a small risk of putting Q-Sander van de Vosberg in the first round - he is ready to step up with just one light mistake in the last line!”

The championship race tightened dramatically in Riesenbeck. Valkenswaard United remain out in front on 231 points, but their margin is shrinking. Shanghai Swans keep hold of second on 218 points, while Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames are breathing down their necks in third on 217 points. The Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team sit firmly in the hunt with 193 points, keeping the top four locked in an intense battle heading into the final stages of the season.

The full up 1.55m course tested even the best in round 1 as many combinations were caught out by the final line. Denis Lynch for New York Empire powered by Lugano had a run out putting them on the back foot while home team Riesenbeck International’s Emanuele Camilli knocked the first part of the first double but rode for his life to keep the other four fences up. Valkenswaard United and Cannes Stars were the best teams to only finish with one down leaving it all to play for over the second course.

The drama didn’t stop for round 2…

The Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team have been on a rollercoaster through the European stages, but in Riesenbeck they rediscovered their early-season magic. Fernando Martinez Sommer’s clear on Joep set the tone, followed by a lightning-fast clear from Niels Bruynseels and Origi VD Vosberg that had fans pounding the boards in appreciation as they stayed on 8 faults from round 1 in 163.51 seconds.

Home team Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym seemed poised to finally secure a long-awaited home win in front of their passionate fans. Maximilian Weishaupt and Kokomo B were first to take on the testing track. Making light work they came home on a clean sheet lifting the crowd to their feet. Christian Kukuk and Chageorge entered to a roar of support and also delivered a clear to keep them on their team total of 8 faults and go into the lead for the time being…

The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team entered the arena with power duo Simon Delestre on Golden Boy DK and Henrik von Eckermann with Steely Dan. Rising to the occasion, producing an ice-cool double clear under immense pressure in a rapid time of 150.12s kept them on just 8 faults from round one. Home victory slipped away once more for Riesenbeck International as the Warriors cut 10 seconds off the time to beat with just three teams to go, they waited nervously on the sidelines to see if it was enough…

Championship leaders Valkenswaard United fielded an all German team this week as well. Clear from Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42 set the tone as Hans-Dieter Dreher and Elysium took the reins. In an unusual turn of events three poles fell knocking them right down the order and leaving the win wide open for the Cannes Stars.

Last into the arena Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames were in a strong position to do back to back wins in Riesenbeck. Led by Katrin Eckermann she kept her cool to deliver a flawless clear on Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS. Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann was given a standing ovation as she rode into the German arena but it wasn’t her day with two down on Iron Dames Dubai du Cedre. As a second pole fell for Janne, Istanbul Warriors punched the air in the warm up arena as the scoreboard confirmed their Riesenbeck triumph and their second win of the season. The German squad’s runner-up finish keeps them right in the thick of the championship race, clawing back ground on their nearest rivals as they hunt for a defining victory before season’s end.

The Scandinavian Vikings, led by Jur Vrieling’s trademark style on Kannan JR and Neal Fearon with Cocktail de Talma, rode with determination to secure fourth on 15 faults. Meanwhile, the Basel Cosmopolitans showcased the strength of their string with consistent rounds from Andreas Schou on Darc de Lux and Jana Wargers on Like Arpeggio, but ultimately their 16-fault tally meant they had to settle for fifth as the fastest of six teams on 16 faults. Both squads remain steady forces in the standings - not leading the charge, but close enough to strike should the leaders falter.

With the GCL championship battle intensifying, all eyes now turn to New York where the next thrilling stage unfolds from 19 - 21 September.

 FULL RESULTS