The French Riviera once again delivered a sporting afternoon steeped in atmosphere, precision, and pressure as the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix unfolded against the backdrop of Pampelonne Beach in St. Tropez. A world-class field assembled for one of the season’s most anticipated contests, but it was the next generation who ultimately shaped the outcome in a dramatic finish that will be remembered for its composure under fire.
St Tropez Grand Prix 2026 results
A demanding 1.60m course immediately set the tone, asking searching questions from the opening fences and steadily thinning the field as combinations struggled to maintain rhythm, accuracy, and time. Among a constellation of established names, only two riders—both under 25—managed to produce faultless opening rounds, setting up a rare and compelling jump-off between Monaco’s Anastasia Nielsen and Belgium’s Thibeau Spits.
Nielsen, who recently celebrated her 20th birthday, delivered a composed and confident performance aboard ESI Rocky when it mattered most. Returning first in the jump-off, she produced another immaculate round, stopping the clock at 43.55 seconds and immediately placing the pressure firmly on her rival.
Spits, riding Impress-K van’t Kattenheye Z, responded with intent, attacking the course in pursuit of victory. However, a costly rail in the latter stages of the round altered the balance, leaving him to settle for second place despite a strong finishing time of 45.49 seconds.
The victory marked a significant milestone in Nielsen’s rising career, earning her a second Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win and reinforcing her growing reputation at the sport’s elite level. Reflecting on the performance, she credited her horse and support team for their role in the achievement, describing the moment as deeply meaningful on a venue she has long held in high regard.
Belgium’s Spits, while narrowly missing out on top honours, left St. Tropez with considerable positives after another polished display. His consistency across the weekend further underlined his growing presence among the sport’s emerging contenders.
Behind the leading duo, Austria’s Max Kühner secured third place with EIC Up Too Jacco Blue, producing the fastest four-fault round of the opening phase. His performance once again highlighted his remarkable consistency at the top level of international competition.
The broader field featured several leading combinations, including Abdel SaĂŻd, Katrin Eckermann, Simon Delestre, and Michael Pender, all of whom were in contention during different phases of the competition. Yet the technical nature of the track proved unforgiving, with the majority of top contenders finishing on four faults after fine margins defined the outcome.
Only Nielsen and Spits ultimately managed to solve the course fully, a testament to both timing and precision under championship pressure. As the final results settled, St. Tropez once again confirmed its reputation for producing unpredictable and high-quality sport, where established names are continually tested by rising talent.
In the wider context of the championship standings, the result also added fresh momentum to an already tightly contested season, with consistency proving just as valuable as individual victories as the tour moves toward its next stages.
As the series now shifts toward Paris, the focus turns to whether this emerging generation can continue to challenge the established order or whether experience will reassert itself on the sport’s biggest stages.
For now, St. Tropez belongs to youth—and to a performance that may well mark a defining moment in the rise of a new star.
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