Swans Take Flight: Shanghai Swans Clinch Mexico City Victory as GCL Championship Race Heats Up

The 2025 GCL season has taken another thrilling turn as Shanghai Swans soared to victory in Mexico City, finding themselves back at the top of the podium in 2025 after previously securing the win in 2016 and 2019 at this prestigious venue. With the championship standings beginning to take shape, contenders are emerging, strategies are evolving, and the fight for supremacy intensifies. As the tour now shifts focus to Shanghai for Stage 3, here’s everything you need to know from the latest showdown at Campo Marte.

Shanghai Swans Deliver Flawless Performance in Mexico City

Precision. Strategy. Execution. Shanghai Swans put on a masterclass in Mexico City, becoming the only team to finish on a clean sheet. Max Kühner sealed the win with a faultless anchor ride aboard EIC Cooley Jump the Q, following a crucial double clear from teammate Katharina Rhomberg. With an equally strong first-round performance from team stalwart Christian Ahlmann, the Swans sent a resounding message to their championship rivals: they mean business in 2025.

Cannes Stars Extend Championship Lead

Despite missing out on back-to-back wins, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames remain at the top of the standings after securing second place in Mexico City. Sanne Thijssen and Con Quidam RB delivered a crucial round, while Katrin Eckermann and Iron Dames Cala Mandia NRW kept the team in the hunt with a blistering clear. Their four-fault finish means they now sit on 55 championship points, solidifying their position as early favorites for the title.

Riesenbeck International Find Their Stride

After a shaky start in Doha, Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym rebounded in Mexico City to claim third place. With a fresh lineup featuring Marco Kutscher and Maximilian Weishaupt, the 2023 champions reminded everyone why they remain a serious threat with their refreshed team and approach for 2025. Their strong finish sees them climbing the leaderboard and picking up 21 valuable championship points to now sit in fifth place.

Championship Standings After Stage 2

With two stages complete, the GCL standings are beginning to reveal early front-runners and teams under pressure. Shanghai Swans' victory catapults them into second place on 41 points, while Prague Lions hold onto third with 38 points.

Podium Contenders and Major Upsets

Mexico City delivered drama at every turn, with top teams battling for supremacy and unexpected results shaking up the order:

• Prague Lions, dominant in 2024 at this venue, failed to repeat their winning performance, slipping off the podium.
• Madrid In Motion looked poised for a strong finish, but a strategic horse swap in Round 2 proved costly, leaving them in fourth.
• Mexico Amigos powered by H5 Stables had the full force of the home crowd behind them, but costly rails kept them out of contention.

The Road to Shanghai Begins

With two high-intensity stages in the books, all eyes now turn to Shanghai. Can Shanghai Swans capitalize on their home advantage? Will Cannes Stars continue their reign at the top? And who will rise to challenge the dominant forces of the season?

The race for the 2025 championship is just getting started—don’t miss the action in Shanghai!