With the packed grandstands creating a cauldron of noise and anticipation at the iconic Champ de Mars, every fence mattered as the battle for championship points intensified. But while rivals faltered under pressure, Riesenbeck International remained ice cool. Marco Kutscher and Maximilian Weishaupt delivered four clear rounds from four attempts to finish on a perfect score of zero faults, stopping the clock in a combined time of 144.52 seconds.

The victory not only secured maximum championship points but also propelled Riesenbeck International to the top of the overall standings after seven stages, opening up a 12-point advantage heading into Monaco.

Joining them on the podium were Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, who recovered brilliantly after carrying four faults from Round 1. Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli and Jörne Sprehe bounced back with two immaculate clears in Round 2 to climb into second place on four faults.

Completing the podium were Riyadh Knights, with a just a single time fault from round 1, Olivier Perreau and Cian O'Connor delivered when it mattered most, adding just four faults in Round 2 to secure third place and a valuable haul of championship points.

Having ridden last week in Ramatuelle, St. Tropez as the teams’ reserve rider before being called into the team for stage 7 of the championship race, Max Weishaupt embraced the opportunity on one of the sport's biggest stages. Reflecting on two flawless rounds in front of the packed Paris crowd aboard Zuccero HV, he praised both the horses and the atmosphere that helped drive the team to victory. "I'm super happy. Both of our horses are naturally very competitive and both horses, as well as us riders, did a very good job today. We cannot be more satisfied with our rounds and our horses. The crowd was also fantastic and this location is so truly iconic, so thank you all."

After securing a second consecutive GCL win following last week's success, Marco Kutscher spoke about the growing confidence within the Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym camp. While acknowledging a difficult start to the season, the experienced German rider believes the team's recent form has reignited their championship ambitions. "We didn't have such a good start, but now we've won the last two stages, so we've stepped up in the rankings. We're looking forward to the next competitions and we hope to compete the same way over the coming weeks. To win a week ago and then come here to Paris and do it again is very special… now for Monaco!"

After another strong performance from Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, Jorne Sprehe reflected on the fine margins that define team competition at the highest level. While a single rail ultimately separated the team from victory, she took pride in the collective effort that secured valuable championship points. "One fence being the difference is maybe a bit hard to swallow sometimes, but I have some really outstanding teammates, so it was still a really good result for us."

Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames continuing to strengthen their position in the championship standings, Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli echoed the same sentiment, praising the team's spirit and belief, highlighting the importance of another podium finish as the season gathers momentum. "We are a strong team together with the girls. We have a great team spirit and positive energy, and I think that's always important in a team. I believe today was an important day for us and I think it will bring something for the next shows as well. Let's see if we can keep this positive feeling going."

After guiding two different horses through the competition and helping Riyadh Nights deliver a valuable podium result, Cian O'Connor was pleased with both the team's performance and the way his horses rose to the challenge in Paris."We're really happy. The horses jumped great and Olivier rode really well too. My horse was fantastic in the first round and Gospel had to shorten up a bit for the second round because the time was tight, but he handled that really well. To be on the podium and get Riyadh Nights up there, we're certainly very happy."

With the season soon entering its crucial second half, O'Connor believes results like this are exactly what the team needs as they continue to climb the standings. "It's important to make a plan, but there are so many good combinations and so much competition. We came here wanting to go well this week, so it was great when it worked out. To come away with a podium and some strong championship points is very positive for the team.”


The Paris result creates a significant shift in the 2026 Championship race.

Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym now lead the standings on 131 points after back-to-back victories in Saint Tropez and Paris, establishing themselves as the team to beat heading into Monaco. Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team remain second on 119 points despite a difficult evening in Paris, while Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames move into third on 117 points following their runner-up finish.

Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem Equestrian Team sit fourth on 112 points, just ahead of Monaco Aces on 111, ensuring the battle for the all-important top four positions remains incredibly close.

Round 1 delivered exactly the kind of drama expected beneath the Eiffel Tower. At the halfway stage, only Valkenswaard United and Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym managed to keep a clean sheet, while Riyadh Knights sat just a single time fault behind on one penalty. With St Tropez Pirates, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, Shanghai Swans and Monaco Aces all carrying just a single rail apiece, the leaderboard remained incredibly tight and the competition wide open heading into Round 2. 

However, there was major drama elsewhere. Championship leaders Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team didn’t have a day to remember as Derin Demirsoy and Niels Bruynseels both incurred eight faults, leaving the team down in 17th and out of contention before Round 2. New York Empire powered by Lugano also suffered a shock exit after an uncharacteristic 12-fault round from Scott Brash aboard Hello Jefferson, combined with four faults from Denis Lynch, leaving the former championship contenders watching the second round from the sidelines.

The Decisive Second Round


As the sunset illuminated the Eiffel Tower, the tension increased dramatically.

Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames. Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli and Iron Dames Calvino II de Nyze Z delivered exactly what the team needed with a clear round before Jörne Sprehe followed suit aboard Hickstead White. Their double clear effort elevated the team onto a final score of four faults and immediately put pressure on every team still to come.

The Riyadh Knights squad answered the challenge. Cian O'Connor produced a superb clear aboard Gospel Tame before Olivier Perreau added a single rail with Himalaya du Temple. Finishing on five faults overall, they moved into the provisional podium positions.

Then came the leaders.

Maximilian Weishaupt once again delivered under pressure, steering Zuccero HV to a second faultless round. With the door still open, Marco Kutscher entered the arena knowing a clear would guarantee victory. The experienced German never looked troubled, producing another immaculate performance aboard Pikeur Lemar NRW to complete the only perfect team score of the evening and seal the Paris title.

Behind them, the championship battle continued to produce twists.

Monaco Aces mounted a strong challenge thanks to a brilliant clear from Peder Fredricson and Alcapone des Carmille and only two time faults from Iñigo Lopez De La Osa Franco, eventually finishing fourth on six faults. Istanbul Warriors recovered from eight faults in Round 1 to add only six in Round 2 and climb into fifth, while Mexico Amigos added to their tally finishing on eighteen faults today.

For Valkenswaard United, hopes of another podium slipped away when Thibault Philippaerts and Gilles Thomas each picked up rails in Round 2, dropping the team to sixth.Shanghai Swans endured a similar fate despite a clear from Daniel Deusser aboard Pepita van't Meulenhof BR. Eight faults in Round 2 left them seventh overall.

As the lights fade on another unforgettable night in Paris, the GCL Championship battle is poised to reach a new level of intensity. Riesenbeck International powered by Horse Gym head to Monaco with the championship lead firmly in their grasp, but with just 20 points separating the top five teams, there is no room for error. 

From the glamour of the French Riviera to the tight confines of Port Hercule, the next chapter promises more high-stakes drama as teams continue their fight for a coveted place in the GCL Super Cup at the GC Riyadh Playoffs. If Paris proved anything, it’s that in 2026 every rail, every second and every point matters.