The situation for Team Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym has changed compared to previous years. Olympic champion Christian Kukuk and vice-European champion Philipp Weishaupt continue to form the backbone of the group, demonstrating consistency and strategic skill for years. However, two key horses, Zineday and Mila, are no longer available, along with riders Philipp Schulze-Topphoff and Eoin McMahon. "The big shoes that Eoin and Philipp left behind will take some time for our new members to fill," says the team manager. "We will need a bit of time for that."

The team has high hopes for newcomer Marco Kutscher, a former long-time member of the Ludger Beerbaum Stables and bronze medalist in both team and individual events at the 2004 Olympics. The 50-year-old has delivered excellent performances on nearly every horse he has ridden throughout his career. With his riding skills and precision, he ranks among the best in the world. Emanuele Camilli and Maximilian Weishaupt do not yet have this level of experience, and the "youngster" Tiara Bleicher, the talented U25 rider on the team, is expected to learn from the "big guys."

The strategy ahead of the start in Doha remains unchanged despite the personnel restructuring within the team. "We will assess our form from stage to stage. It is important to deploy the right pairs while also conserving energy." Good condition for both horses and riders is essential for the Global Champions League, which always coincides with the individual championship of the Longines Global Champions Tour. "We do not have the resources like last year's overall winners, Iron Dames, who can even field two teams," Ludger Beerbaum notes. However, those who know him understand that Riesenbeck International embraces the challenge and has shown over the years that with a good strategy and a bit of luck, much can be achieved.