In a storyline fit for a Hollywood blockbuster, Madrid in Motion's Eric and Maikel van der Vleuten stole the show in Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez to take a sensational second win on the French Riviera.
In a dramatic shake up of the rankings, St Tropez Pirates have now taken the overall lead with the Finals in New York next on the agenda - the team now lead on a tally of 304 points so far. With their strong second place today the Shanghai Swans have now moved up to 2nd overall, just 2 points behind the leaders on 302 points so far. After a weekend to forget for the London Knights, they slip down to third with 296 points, and Madrid in Motion creep up to the top four with their win today, now on a score of 290 points overall.
With tension to the very last moment, Madrid in Motion powered to victory with their horses Wunschkind 19 and Beauville Z, after the final rider to go - Valkenswaard United's Alberto Zorzi had two faults to drop the team to third today. Second went to the Shanghai Swans, after Peder Fredricson and Daniel Deusser put in a formidable performance to secure the only other double clear of the day.
Eric van der Vleuten spoke after the team's win: "We're very happy about this as it's the second time we win here in the south of france. It's the second time our owner Marta Ortega is with us so it's a nice performance."
His son Maikel emphasised the importance of this strong result as the teams head to the final furlong in just two week's time; "New York is the last leg of the season and with this victory we'll move up the ranking, so it's important we do well in New York to finish the season very well. All the riders are really looking forward to the [GC Prague] Playoffs as it was a wonderful event - but our goal is to go for it!"
As glamorous guests and VIPs walked the picturesque white decking the arena, the world's top teams gave a class display of top sport and entertainment just moments from the sparkling waters of Pampelonne Beach.
After a tough first round on Thursday, which saw many teams on high faults, Uliano Vezzani put together another technical track, testing the best in the world. His course showcased a delicate Dolce & Gabbana vertical, a formidable Longines double with an oxer coming out, a light to touch Athina Onassis Horse Show vertical, and a challenging GCL triple set down the long-side of the bustling grandstand which featured an oxer in before two light verticals. The final line required power at a wide Cavalleria Toscana oxer before total control as it was quickly followed by a delicate white wavy plank - the final fence which again claimed plenty of victims.
Press Release