Cannes Stars’ German duo Extend Championship Gap with Consecutive GCL Victories

Dominating 2024 and taking their 4th win of the season, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames pulled out all the stops to win GCL Riesenbeck, Germany, as the only team on a clean sheet.

Local heroes Katin Eckermann and U25 rider Sophie Hinners secured back to back wins in a huge grass arena compared to Monaco’s compact sand arena, just a couple of short weeks ago. Riding Iron Dames Cala Mandia Nrw and Iron Dames Singclair, the emotional duo extended their championship lead to 26 points after success in the heart of Germany.

Today was a fiercely competitive battleground for the world's top teams as Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV shot up the ranking, after a second place finish from Laura Kraut,  Kyle Timm and Nina Mallevaey. It was a bitter sweet podium for home team Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland who were hoping to bring home the win for their home crowd, but Christian Kukuk and Philipp Weisuapt had to settle for third place this time.

It was double the impact and double the pressure for Katrin Eckermann and Sophine Hinners today, both German riders riding on home turf, both part of the staggering line-up of the Cannes Stars riders. Speaking with GCTV directly after their win, Katrin said: “I am a bit lost for words. It really was a lot of pressure with Riesenbeck International going straight before us, I knew I could have one down, but here at the top level we all know how fast a fault can happen… but both our horses jumped amazing, we rode very well - we were really fighting for it today. I can’t describe this feeling - just wow, woman power!”

Having also represented the Cannes Stars in Monaco, Sophie Hinners knows exactly what the win takes. Another stellar performance today left her and the team back on top. She said, “It’s amazing that again we could deliver four clear rounds. It’s an unbelievable feeling here in Germany in front of our family and friends… we won in Monaco and we have shown we can now do it again, and we can all be so proud and thankful for our team standing behind us - without them, this could not be possible.”

Joining the team recently during the mid-season transfer period, Kyle Timm spoke of the team’s hunger for success,  he said, “Our goal was to come and score another podium and I am really excited that I had a chance to be a part of it. Everyone is motivated for the final four stages of the season, we want to make it worthwhile to be there… it’s definitely an exciting place to be.”

A visibly disappointed Christian Kukuk couldn’t help liken today’s result to last year’s GCL of Riesenbeck where a time fault alluded the home team of the win, where again today, a time fault meant the home team had to settle for third instead of back to back second places. Speaking with GCTV, Kukuk said: “It is a bit of a disappointing place, but a third place podium in front of our home crowd is not too bad. It was a brilliant day, great weather, great courses - very challenging, but very fair for everyone.”

Teammate Philipp Weishaupt spoke of the performances of his two mounts, plus the support of a home crowd. He said: “Everyone came here to win, and today we need to be happy with third place. Both of my horses, Zineday and Coby, did great today… I can't wish for more.” He went on to add, “It’s a great honor to be able to perform here in front of our home crowd in Riesenbeck, representing the team Riesenbeck International - it’s super special.” 

As for the Championship? The race is still on and Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland Equestrian are still in pursuit of back to back wins. Kukuk said, “The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames team have had a really, really good season, and they are quite far ahead, but, we were in the same position last year and they should not be too safe. We will try everything on the last shows - we are very optimistic and positive, so we will see what we can do.”

The back-to-back victories showcased the Cannes Stars' ability to thrive under pressure and seize crucial moments. With their sights firmly set on the Championship title, the team is determined to maintain their momentum. They extend the Championship lead with 229 points, while Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses, now sit at 203 points after a tough finish today. Doha Falcons stay in third place on 196 points, while rounding off the battle for the top four, the Riesenbeck International have finished the eleventh stage with the exact same points of 196.

Interestingly the only team to not make a single team change between round 1 and round 2 was Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem. Their tactic of keeping Olivier Robert on Iglesias D.V. , and Abdel Saïd with Bonne Amie paid off as the team were caught out with a few time faults but rounded off the top 5 eventually, securing crucial championship points.

After a strong start to the season in the early stages, Prague Lions have had a rollercoaster of results through the European stages of the league, but today the winning pair from Mexico City of Thibeau Spits and Fernando Martinez Sommer stepped it up and slid into fourth place as the fastest team on 12 faults.

Entering round 2 with just a single rail down Rome Gladiators powered by ClipMyHorse.TV bought Laura Kraut off the bench with Bisquetta, they cruised around the expansive arena with ease pulling off a super fast clear. Mid-season transfer Kyle Timm proved his worth with a flawless double clear on Casino Calvin as the team finished on a fast four faults, and then had an agonizing wait to see if it would be good enough for a podium finish.

New York Empire powered by Lugano Diamonds were in a solid position after round 1 but couldn’t convert it to a podium after the poles kept falling for Denis Lynch and Cordial. A gut-wrenching last fence down from Richard Vogel and Cydello brought their team total up to 20 faults, knocking them down the order.

In a prime position, just one time fault on the scoreboard from Round 1 Riesenbeck International powered by Kingsland were aiming to do one better than last year and finally get the home win. Team anchor Christian Kukuk and Just Be Gentle set off at a steady pace hoping for the clean sheet to put pressure on rivals Cannes Stars, but the lightest of touches added four faults to the board. Picking up the pace, Philipp Weishaupt and Coby 8 rode a masterclass to come home on 0 faults, but the agonising time fault from round one put the squad behind Rome Gladiators, immediately snatching the win from them today.

Last to go Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames brought out the big guns. Up first with the weight of the world on her shoulders, U25 rider Sophie Hinners guided Iron Dames Singclair to another foot perfect clear, leaving Katrin Eckermann a rail in hand. Eckermann lost her stirrup half way round, however this didn’t stop her proving just how sensational Iron Dames Cala Mandia Nrw is. She punched the air as they crossed the finish line on a clean sheet to secure yet another win for the team. The crowd erupted as Sophie and Katrin held hands while taking a spontaneous lap of honour around the arena before they had even exited the arena to celebrate with their team.

As the GCL championship race blazes ahead, teams now eagerly anticipate the next thrilling stage set to take place at the iconic Royal Hospital Chelsea in London from 16 - 18 August 2024.