It’s lift off for the new Global Champions League team competitions as riders gear up for the launch of the new championship.
At sunrise in Miami Beach team riders were out preparing for the first showdown of the 2016 GCL season with athletes – both human and equine – sporting their stunning new team colours with specially created logos.
Early morning passers by saw riders from the Monaco Aces and Doha Fursan Qatar limbering up on the sands of the iconic destination. The hotly-anticipated competition will feature two rounds with 12 teams starting in the first round and the best 8 teams going into the crucial second round.
Georgina Bloomberg, owner of home team Miami Glory, said it was a “dream” to be a team owner and this morning she has been training with her team mate, top US rider Kent Farrington at the unique show ground lcoation on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Georgina’s team is sponsored by Macy’s, Diane von Furstenberg and Oscar de la Renta. The elegant black, gold and burgundy logo of Miami Glory will no doubt be eye-catching as the riders
Show jumping legend John Whitaker, riding for team Valkenswaard United and sporting the team’s new colours, said this morning: “It is a new era for the sport and I am excited to be part of it. I’m riding with Bertram (Allen) and our tactic is just to jump clear and go as fast as we can!”
Monaco Aces star rider Maikel van der Vleuten said: “It is something new in our sport and I am really looking forward to it. Every team has a rider under 25 which gives them the possibility to get the right experience which is good.”
Two riders from every team have been selected to compete today in Miami Beach, see the starting list here.
In the new concept teams have special names and beautifully designed logos and each team will have a signature tune which is played as riders enter the competition arena. With €200,000 in prize money and ranking points to play for at every event, motivation is high in each team to get into pole position on the starting grid as the championship heads to a dramatic new venue in Mexico City next weekend.
It is set to be a fascinating first glimpse of the exciting new team format as fans follow their favourite riders and horses around the world on the GCL calendar.