Under the lights at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, the class quickly turned into a flat-out race against the clock, with riders forced to take risks if they wanted a shot at the win and to add their name into history. When it mattered most, Weishaupt delivered - slicing turns and committing to every line to stop the clock in 44.89 seconds, a time that put immediate pressure on the rest of the field.

 

The home crowd had plenty to cheer for as Eduardo Álvarez Aznar gave it everything aboard Genaro Paulois (Aldo du Plessis), pushing hard but ultimately settling just behind the leader in 45.63 seconds. Not far off the pace, 2025 LGCT Grand Prix of Rabat winner Anastasia Nielsen slotted into third with Esi Rocky (Stakkato Gold), delivering a smooth and competitive round in 46.26 seconds.

 

The times stayed tight throughout the class, with Maximilian Weishaupt taking fourth on Kokomo B (Kannan), while Olivier Philippaerts completed the top five aboard Miro (Diamant de Semilly), both riders proving how little margin there was for error on a track that rewarded bravery and punished hesitation.

 

A sold-out Club de Campo Villa de Madrid provided the ultimate backdrop, with a buzzing crowd creating one of the most electric atmospheres on the Tour. From the first rider to the final jump-off round, the energy was relentless - cheers echoing around the grass arena, every turn met with anticipation, and every clear greeted with roars from the stands. Madrid once again proved why it’s a fan favourite, blending world-class sport with an unbeatable vibe that lifted the riders and pushed the competition to another level.

 

Having only recently taken over the ride, Weishaupt explained how the horse’s confidence in the opening round gave him the belief to take on the track in the jump-off: “This is still quite a new partnership for me - I’ve only had him for a couple of months. He’s an incredible horse, and the way he jumped in the first round really gave me the confidence to take a few more risks today. Coming to the upright, I saw the stride and thought, ‘go for it, don’t be a chicken’ - and luckily it all came together.”

 

Competing in front of a packed home crowd added another dimension to the victory, with Weishaupt quick to acknowledge the atmosphere in Madrid, even after denying a Spanish rider the top spot: “I have to apologise a little to the Spanish fans for spoiling the party and finishing ahead of a home rider, but the crowd here is amazing. The atmosphere, the arena - everything about Madrid is special, and this is a very cool class to win.”

 

Adding a unique twist to the story, Weishaupt also spoke about the added pressure of competing against his younger brother, who would go on to finish fourth in the same class: “I was in after Max, and there were really only two options - either go quicker and have a rail, or go quicker and stay clear… just don’t be slower than him! Luckily, it worked out and the poles stayed up!”

 

Reflecting on the significance of the class itself, Weishaupt highlighted the prestige of lifting one of the sport’s most historic trophies, especially in such an iconic setting: “This King’s Cup is a very special class - I think it’s been running for around 60 years - so to add your name to that list is something really special. To do it here, in front of this crowd and in this arena, at such a traditional show in Madrid, makes it even better. It’s one of my favourite shows, and I’m really grateful to my horse. Now hopefully we can do it again tomorrow!”

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