Just a stone's throw from the world-famous La Croisette, the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League of Cannes event is a remarkable combination of glamour and top-class sport. Held under the effervescent evening lights, the very best horses and riders in the world take centre stage for the sixth round in the 15-leg Championship, watched on by VIPs and passionate spectators.
All eyes will be on the fiercely contested LGCT Ranking battle as current leader Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) returns to the series to defend his narrow 9 point lead. His nearest rivals, Dutch duo Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) and Harrie Smolders (NED), are snapping at the Italian’s heels and with 40 valuable points up for grabs with a Grand Prix win, both are in touching distance of overturning the current leaderboard.
2016 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cannes winner Scott Brash (GBR) is in the sparkling Riviera destination to fight to keep his name in the lights, after a breath-taking performance with Hello Forever last year saw fans on the edge of their seats. With the firecracker chestnut gelding leaping and bounding his way around the tight sand arena, Scott pulled off a masterclass jump-off, securing a stunning Grand Prix win.
Last night, on-form LGCT Ranking leader Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) wowed the crowds by winning a 12-rider jump-off by over a second from the rest of the field with Halifax van het Kluizebos, winning the lion’s share of the €62,000 and an all inclusive holiday to Mauritius.
With a cavalcade of stars in action for the sixth round of the 2017 Championship, the evening event promises an exhilarating weekend of top sport and entertainment. Christian Ahlmann (GER), Ludger Beerbaum (GER), Roger-Yves Bost (FRA), Marcus Ehning (GER), Ben Maher (GBR), Simon Delestre (FRA), Gregory Wathelet (BEL), Pénélope Leprevost (FRA), Daniel Deusser (GER) and Kevin Staut (FRA) all add their names to the A-listers in attendance, and with the likes of LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach winner Jerome Guery (BEL) and Rio Olympic medallist Philippe Rozier (FRA) heading to the unique location, the sixth leg of the 15-event Championship will sparkle as the fight for supremacy intensifies.