Four Flawless Flying Performances Propel the Prague Lions to Win the Global Champions League of New York CSI 5*

By Jumper News on 31 31America/Sao_Paulo August 31America/Sao_Paulo 2022

New York, New York, USA – September 24, 2022 – Set in the heart of New York Harbour on the green oasis of Governors Island, Saturday’s Global Champions League (GCL) of New York saw riders battle it out for the final points to add to their tally ahead of the 2022 Championship Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 22 – 24 October. The thrilling competition left the Stockholm Hearts and Berlin Eagles just one point apart head into the final round leaving it the closest GCL Championship finish ever.

**Niels Bruynseels** (BEL) & **Matador**

As the only team to post a sensational double clear in the GCL of New York, the Prague Lions saved an incredible result for their third win of the 2022 season. Niels Bruynseels (BEL) aboard Matador and Pieter Devos (BEL) with his impressive mount, Mom’s Toupie de La Roque partnered for the win and took maximum points for their team in the city that never sleeps.

Just two rails separated the top teams on the podium, while overnight leaders Madrid In Motion took silver medal position after one rail from Maikel van der Vleuten (NED) aboard Dywis HH and a double clear performance from Angelica Augusstsson Zanotelli (SWE) with Kalinka van de Nachtegaele. The Miami Celtics rounded out the podium, finishing in third on eight faults, moving up two places on the overall season standings from 13^th place after solid rounds from Bertram Allen (IRL) aboard his mount Pacino Amiro and Edouard Schmitz (SUI) aboard Gamin van’t Naastveldhof.

Speaking of his team’s win, a thrilled Niels Bruynseels (BEL) commented on their performance being the perfect lead-in to the final in Riyadh next month. “It is such an important win for our team, as it means we get the points to secure us into the top four of the overall championship.”

With the GCL Super Cup at the top of everybody’s minds today, Brunseels added, “Looking ahead to Prague, we are excited that we can fast track their way to the Super Cup semi-finals on home turf.”

Packed grandstands under the blazing New York sun resulted in an incredible atmosphere surrounding round two of the GCL which could be cut with a knife. Pieter Devos (BEL) gushed about the impressive arena “Not many people get to be able to say they have ridden with the New York skyline as their arena backdrop. The incredible crowd give this show such a great atmosphere that just makes a really exciting competition for us to ride in.”

Resulting in a last-minute change in overall standings, the formidable Stockholm Hearts, powered by H&M We Love Horses consisting of Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) and Peder Fredricson (SWE) have snatched back the lead from the Berlin Eagles, powered by Fundis after today’s Round 2, as they head into the final one point ahead of the rival team.