Valkenswaard United captured their first victory of the 2025 GCL season in a breathtaking display at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, overtaking the current leaders Shanghai Swans in a dramatic finish. The win marks a second consecutive triumph for the team at this venue, echoing their success from 2024, and reigniting their bid for the overall championship title.
The winning squad featured a masterful blend of seasoned expertise and emerging talent. Hans-Dieter Dreher and Elysium put in a determined effort in the second round despite incurring faults, while Gilles Thomas delivered under pressure with a flawless performance aboard Ermitage Kalone. Their efforts built on a vital clear round from Marcus Ehning and Coolio 42 earlier in the competition, underlining the strength and depth of Valkenswaard United’s lineup.
Spectators were treated to top-tier equestrian sport under sunny Madrid skies as the fourth stage of the 2025 GCL unfolded with thrilling unpredictability. The competition format tested both horses and riders over two rounds, reshuffling the leaderboard in a season already rich with surprises.
The Shanghai Swans, consistent podium finishers this year, once again showcased their dominance, extending their lead in the standings despite narrowly missing out on the win. Christian Ahlmann and teammate Katharina Rhomberg delivered under intense pressure, with Rhomberg’s steady clear helping to secure second place after Ahlmann’s costly rail.
There was reason to celebrate for the St. Tropez Pirates as well, who earned their first podium finish of the season. Rising star Tom Wachman made an impressive debut, partnering with Mariano Martinez Bastida to guide the team to a strong finish, much to the delight of fans and team members alike.
The overall championship table now sees Shanghai Swans in command with 96 points, while Valkenswaard United and Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames are locked in a tie for second with 83 points apiece. The Monaco Comets climbed into fourth place following a resilient showing, moving just ahead of the Prague Lions.
The opening round in Madrid proved particularly challenging, with multiple teams succumbing to course faults. Notable contenders like the home team Madrid In Motion and past champions Riesenbeck International failed to advance, falling victim to the demanding layout. Even slight errors proved costly, as just five faults separated the top seven teams after round one.
St. Tropez Pirates set the tone in the second round by posting a double clear, bouncing back from their earlier faults to challenge for the podium. Istanbul Warriors saw their hopes dashed by late faults despite a valiant effort from Abdel Said, while Doha Falcons were eliminated after a tough round from Julien Anquetin, erasing the earlier heroics of Jérôme Guery.
Rome Gladiators were poised for a breakthrough with only two time faults early on, but knockdowns from both team members in round two saw them slide just out of the top three. Nonetheless, they secured valuable championship points by finishing in the top five.
In a nerve-wracking conclusion, Valkenswaard United’s score left everything to play for as Shanghai Swans stepped into the arena. Despite Rhomberg’s composed clear, Ahlmann’s error opened the door for Valkenswaard United to claim top honors by the slimmest of margins.
As the dust settles on an electrifying Madrid leg, the championship now heads to the glamorous French Riviera, with the next stage set to unfold in Cannes from June 5–7. With momentum building and rivalries heating up, the 2025 GCL Championship continues to promise edge-of-your-seat competition.
