Prague, Czech Republic – November 20, 2019 – The first GCL Season Awards were celebrated Wednesday night with a special ceremony in Prague recognising outstanding achievement in 2019.

With excitement building ahead of the kick off of the €12 million GC Prague Playoffs CSI 5*/2* tomorrow, the Awards ceremony took place during an evening cruise along the historic City’s Vltava River with magnificent views of the ancient Castle.

International guests joined a star-studded gathering of the world’s best riders to applaud the four winners as they received their beautifully designed trophies.

2019 saw the most competitive GCL Championship since the innovative team series was launched. With top riders from different countries teaming up in the unique format, it was all about tactical planning and horsepower. As the season unfolded, teams with the most strength and depth reigned supreme in the season-long contest across 18 events leading up to this weekend’s GCL Super Cup Final.

Pieter Devos (BEL) receiving the Best GCL Rider Award from Jan Tops 

Category: Best GCL Rider

Winner: Pieter Devos 

Pieter Devos (BEL) has been one of the most prolific and consistent riders on the GCL circuit this season, competing in 29 out of 36 team competition rounds. Riding a number of different horses, he achieved 22 clear rounds out of 29. Pieter played a huge role in helping his team St Tropez Pirates finish a very close 2nd in the overall Championship.

Celebrating with his winner’s trophy Pieter Devos (BEL) said: “I am very honoured to receive this Award. I can’t thank my horses enough for all they did for me this year. I am privileged to have such a super group of horses who do everything for me in the ring. I’d like to thank all the people behind the scenes, my family, my grooms, the owners who also deserve this Award. I want to thank Jan Tops and his team for creating such a great circuit in our sport and for creating such a great added value for our sport.”

A special presentation was also made to Anna Kellnerova (CZE), a rider with the Prague Lions home city team, for her work as an Ambassador for the GC Prague Playoffs event.

Presenting a special painting of the Prague Lions, which uses augmented reality to bring the team’s special moments to life, Jan Tops said: “I want to thank Anna Kellnerova for all the work she did as an Ambassador through the years to present our Playoffs in this magnificent city. All the events through the year lead to this fantastic weekend.”

Source: Press release from LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour

Photo: © LGCT / Stefano Grasso