The German crowd at Riesenbeck witnessed a moment of pure sporting theatre on Sunday, when Gerit Nieberg and his 10-year-old Ping Pong van de Lentamel delivered the ride of their lives to claim the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck.
There were tears, roars, and an anthem that rang louder than ever. Nieberg, riding just 45 minutes from his hometown, stood tall on the podium as the German flag was raised. “It’s difficult to find the words right now,” he admitted afterwards, still flushed with emotion. “He’s an amazing horse, so cool and easy every day, and today he gave me everything.”
Drama in the Jump-Off
Six riders had booked their place in a high-stakes jump-off. Harrie Smolders, the Dutchman of ice-cold consistency, set the pace with Bingo du Parc in 48.78 seconds. Jack Whitaker, the young Brit, lit up the arena with a double clear just off the pace.
Then came Nieberg. From the first stride, he attacked Frank Rothenberger and Peter Schumacher’s demanding track. Over a second ahead at the midway point, he kept his nerve to stop the clock in 46.99 seconds. The Riesenbeck crowd erupted as horse and rider galloped through the finish – Germany’s man of the moment had struck gold.
Christian Ahlmann and Max Kühner both threatened but fell victim to late rails. It left Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, last to go, chasing perfection. His Alcapone des Carmille soared over each fence, but 48.17 seconds left him just behind, good enough for second. Smolders claimed third – his 28th career LGCT podium.
A Win That Meant More
For Nieberg, this was more than a sporting victory. Surrounded by family and friends in his home region, the 32-year-old could barely hold back the emotion. The result marked his first-ever LGCT Grand Prix title, one that will etch his name into the history of both Riesenbeck International and the Longines Global Champions Tour.
Even rivals tipped their hat. Fredricson, himself a former champion, said: “Gerrit is a truly fantastic rider. He brings out the best in his horses. I’m really happy for his win today.”
Championship Race Tightens
Beyond the personal story, the result carried weight for the 2025 LGCT Championship. Gilles Thomas remains leader on 241 points, but Christian Kukuk – runner-up in last year’s standings – has surged to second with 187. Andreas Schou sits third, with Simon Delestre and Maikel van der Vleuten also climbing the table.
The Tour now shifts from Germany’s horse capital to New York City, where the next LGCT Grand Prix will be staged against the iconic backdrop of the Statue of Liberty. But for now, Riesenbeck belongs to Gerit Nieberg – and to the memory of one magical Sunday.
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