In a nail-biting climax to Stage 5 of the 2025 Global Champions League (GCL), the St Tropez Pirates edged out the competition by a mere 1.36 seconds, capturing victory in dramatic fashion under the Cannes floodlights. The electric evening saw some of the world’s top equestrian athletes take center stage, with the Pirates’ second consecutive podium finish turning heads and tightening the overall championship race.
The Pirates executed a strategic lineup change that paid off handsomely. After a clear first round from Max Wachman on Fancy de Kergane and Mariano Martinez Bastida with Jup, the team opted to bring Duarte Seabra into the second round. Seabra delivered a faultless performance aboard Dourados 2, proving instrumental to the team’s win. Although Bastida incurred two faults in round two, their total time ensured they remained ahead of rivals on equal penalties.
Cannes Stars, competing on home ground and backed by Iron Dames, looked poised to triumph after round one. However, rails from both Sophie Hinners and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann in the second round saw them fall just short, finishing second. Madrid In Motion secured third place, aided by clear efforts from Kim Emmen and Maikel van der Vleuten in round one, though Eduardo Alvarez Aznar’s 12-fault second round weighed heavily on their final score.
With the French Riviera as its backdrop, the Cannes leg of the tour delivered a show-stopping mix of tension and talent. Spectators lined the iconic La Croisette to witness split-second decisions and tactical switches that defined the outcome. Notably, New York Empire powered by Lugano narrowly missed a podium finish, while Prague Lions were denied by a single time fault in a gut-wrenching close to their evening.
For several leading teams, the evening was one of high stakes and hard lessons. Shanghai Swans, who entered the round as series leaders, faltered under pressure and slipped out of podium contention. Meanwhile, Basel Cosmopolitans also experienced setbacks, pushing them further down the rankings.
The shake-up in standings has intensified the championship narrative. Shanghai Swans still hold the lead, but Cannes Stars are now just two points behind. Valkenswaard United sit in third, while the St Tropez Pirates’ win has propelled them into fourth place heading into their home show next week.
The mid-season transfer window looms, prompting questions about potential roster changes. With only a few stages left before teams can reinforce their lineups, every ride carries increasing importance in the lead-up to the GCL Super Cup Semi-Final at the Prague Playoffs.
Cannes delivered more than glamour—it showcased courage, chemistry, and razor-thin margins. Teams now turn their attention to Ramatuelle, St. Tropez (June 12-14), where strategies will evolve and championship hopes continue to unfold.
