Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Harrie Smolders were the victorious dream team in Valkenswaard tonight in a spectacular precursor to the launch of Global Champions League in 2016.
It was revealed that six of the 15 teams for the new League, which will offer prize money of €7.5 million, are already lined up as anticipation for the new show jumping format gathers momentum.
Tonight 15 teams of the world’s best riders added a unique dimension to a stunning evening of world class sport and entertainment. The competition was part of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard and thrilled the crowds and international guests at the new Tops International Arena.
Winning riders Rolf-Göran Bengtsson and Harrie Smolders were paired as Team Madrid after a random draw supervised by the FEI. Each team was named was destinations on the Tour calendar and after their victory flying Dutchman Harrie declared: “It was always a dream to ride in a team once with him and it came out.”
The nail-biting Team Competition had fans on the edge of their seats as riders who are normally rivals were paired up and depending on each other for success. Tactics and strategy came into play as tension built during the two-round competition played out under floodlights at the state-of-the-art facility.