Riesenbeck International takes third place on the podium

Valkenswaard United wins the Global Champions League stage in St. Tropez ahead of the Cannes Stars

Ramatuelle, St. Tropez – A working day instead of a beach vacation on the posh Côte d'Azur in St. Tropez. The Global Champions League made a guest appearance at the sixth stage of the show jumping series right on the white beach, the arena surrounded by pine forests, in the immediate vicinity of the most exclusive beach bars and anchored yachts. Highly focused and motivated, the riders from Valkenswaard United managed to leave the relaxed atmosphere outside the course behind and jump to the top of the podium after two great rounds. Cannes Stars came second, and Riesenbeck International made the long-awaited leap onto the podium.

Team Riesenbeck International was determined to fulfill the prediction made by their boss, Ludger Beerbaum. Last week, after his riders finished in the middle of the field, the four-time Olympic champion predicted that the error rate would soon improve.

With the experienced team of Christian Kukuk and Checker as the starting rider, the spectators in St. Tropez witnessed a confident, motivated, and impressive clear round in the first round. This was followed by another picture-perfect ride by Philipp Weishaupt and his 11-year-old, still inexperienced stallion Oreo. Here, it was the rider who, with all his experience, made the task easier for the horse, with whom he was only making his third start in the Global Champions League.  

There was therefore no reason for Team Riesenbeck International to change horses – or riders, or starting order – in the decisive second round.

Christian Kukuk set off at a fast pace, as the following four pairs had set fast times with clear rounds. This tactic resulted in a knockdown: a costly mistake. Philipp Weishaupt managed to stay clear with Oreo – until the last obstacle. There, too, a pole fell, which meant another costly mistake. But the teams that followed also made mistakes in the difficult course – and in the end, the Riesenbeck team's good rides were rewarded with a place on the podium.

Team boss Ludger Beerbaum said: "We were close to victory.  The two of them did really well. Especially Philipp with his Oreo. All in all, it was a very strong performance. I am actually optimistic that we will move even further forward in the coming weeks."

Next week, the team will move on to Paris, where – once again in a glamorous setting – they will ride in the middle of the city, very close to the Eiffel Tower.