Prague Lions Pop the Champagne by Winning the Global Champions League of Valkenswaard

By Jumper News on 2025-08-23

Valkenswaard, The Netherlands – August 22, 2025 – The Longines Tops International Arena buzzed with excitement as spectators gathered to witness the thrilling action of the GCL in Valkenswaard. Seasoned fans and newcomers watched on as the Prague Lions, powered by Czech Equestrian Team’s, Pieter Devos (BEL) with Lente and Primo DV and Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX), riding Joep, soared to victory on the only team on four penalty-points.

The home team, the Valkenswaard United extended their lead in the dramatic championship race with a second place finish from Gilles Thomas (BEL) on two nine year olds Qalista DN and Qiara de Kalvarie, fighting it out alongside teammate Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) riding Vestmalle des Cotis and the ultra consistent Elysium. Storming ahead, in 2025 alone they have now secured six podiums, three of which were wins and three second places.

While the Scandinavian Vikings landed on their first podium of the season taking third with mid-season transfer Amanda Landeblad (SWE) on Springfield 21, Jur Vrieling (NED) with Kannan JR and Sara Vingralkova (CZE) and Rock’n Roll Mxl.

“It was about time that we won!” exclaimed Pieter Devos (BEL) of the Prague Lions. He went on to add, “We’ve actually had a really good season till now, but we were a few times just missing out on top spot, but today we were able to make it to the top of the podium so we couldn’t be happier for the Prague Lions!”

A stage of the season that meant a lot for championship points and overall season standings, with the GC Prague Playoffs and the GCL Super Cup now creeping to front of mind, Pieter went on to say, “I think today was very important for us, particularly the win gives us some extra championship points – our team manager Anna said we need to ‘be on the ball’ – towards the end of the season it is important for us to stay in the top four. Last season we just missed out, so hopefully we can keep this position and maybe creep up a little bit more.”

**Gilles Thomas** (BEL) & **Qalista DN**

Talking to GCTV a beaming Gilles Thomas (BEL), following Rosie Turner’s summary of their season success so far, smiled and pointed at his leading team armband sitting proudly, and said: “It’s been going pretty well this season, which is why we are still wearing these!”

Teammate Hans added, “We are a really strong team, but the year is not over, we have some fighting to do [to retain top spot] – but we will do it!”

**Amanda Landeblad** (SWE) & **Springfield 21**

With team manager and Geir Gulliksen watching on from the kiss and cry, mid season transfer acquisition Amanda Landeblad (SWE) smiled: “It’s my second time riding for the team, but honestly, today couldn’t have felt better.” She added, “It’s such a good experience for me to ride with someone like Jur [Vrieling], and to be at all these amazing venues and locations, it’s very, very nice to be here”.

Drama in Round 1 was brought to a crescendo with Madrid in Motion, formerly placed fifth on the championship leaderboard with Kim Emmen (NED) aboard Kesmitt Dmh dropping two rails, and an uncharacteristic runout from Manuel Fernandez Saro (ESP) and 11-year-old Ezilis du Mesnil, meaning team elimination… potentially crushing their dream of a top four placing in Championship this year.

As for round 2? Three teams entered on a clean sheet – Scandinavian Vikings, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames and Paris Panthers who were taking pole position heading into round 2. But with five teams on just a single rail down it was still anyone’s game.

The Stockholm Hearts powered by H&M We Love Horses went all-out attack in Valkenswaard, after being on the back foot with 8 faults to carry over from round 1. Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) and H&M Indiana opened with pace and a flawless clear, while Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) had a fast but four fault round on Katanga v/h Dingeshof. Ultimately 12 penalty-points left them playing catch-up – and looking ahead to redemption.

**Hans-Dieter Dreher** (GER) & **Elysium**

On home soil, the Valkenswaard United delivered a battle-worthy performance that kept the crowd on edge. Hans-Dieter Dreher (GER) and his superstar stallions Elysium flew the flag with power and pace, while Gilles Thomas (BEL) delivered a flawless clear in Round 2 aboard the electric Qalista DN. A total of 8 penalty-points, but in a rapid time was enough to fly into the lead for the time being – a strong statement as the season reaches its critical stage.

**Fernando Martinez Sommer** (MEX) & **Joep**

It was a champion’s charge from the Prague Lions, powered by Czech Equestrian Team as they roared to the top of the leaderboard immediately after the home heroes. Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) set the tone with a razor-sharp clear aboard Joep.

Pieter Devos (BEL) unleashed Primo DV, combining brilliance and nerve to keep their cool under pressure. Just 4 faults over two rounds and a blistering combined time left them with a nervous wait to see if they had done enough with still 5 teams to go…

The Shanghai Swans showed pure sparks of brilliance. Ben Maher (GBR) delivered again with Enjeu de Grisien with his trademark ice-cool control, while an uncharacteristic two down for Daniel Deusser (GER) who piloted Otello de Guldenboom left them on 12 faults after both rounds, but the Swans’ speed kept them in the game.

The Rome Gladiators powered by Cavalira Toscana brought muscle to the field. Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA) looked fierce on Chalou’s Love PS and Crack Balou, while Roy van Beek (BEL) threw down bold rounds with Cavoiro – H OLD and Diamant de Quidam – H OLD. It was a fight to the finish, but 8 penalty-points in a slow time knocked them just off the podium.

The Scandinavian Vikings had to perform in order to get ahead of Paris Panthers at the bottom of the leaderboard to secure their place at the GC Prague Playoffs in November. The pressure didn’t get to new signing Amanda Landeblad (SWE) who gave Springfield 21 a stylish debut clear round. Jur Vrieling (NED) couldn’t match the round on Kannan JR with two rails falling leaving the gap wide open for the two remaining teams to go.

It was another flawless clear from Sophie Hinners (GER) and Iron Dames Singclair for the Cannes Stars, powered by Iron Dames as the team looked on track to land on yet another podium until there was drama at the first fence for their second rider. New recruit Giulia Martinengo Marquet (ITA) proved just how interesting this sport can get with a refusal at the first fence costing them crucial championship points as they finished right down the order.

Podium: 2) **Valkenswaard United** – **Hans-Dieter Dreher** (GER) & **Gilles Thomas** (BEL) 1), Prague Lions – **Pieter Devos** (BEL) & **Fernando Martinez Sommer** (MEX) 3) **Shanghai Swans** – **Amanda Landeblad** (SWE) & **Jur Vrieling** (NED)

The Panthers prowled in Valkenswaard Round 2 but couldn’t quite find their pounce. Alexa Ferrer (FRA) delivered a clear in Round 1 aboard the fiery Vitalhorse Fleur d’Oz, but faults crept in for Sierra du Piederoux Z and Celine Schoonbroodt-de Azevedo (BEL) in Round 2. Despite the talent in the stable it was 12 faults in total handing the win to Prague Lions as they finished seventh – with eyes now firmly set on regrouping and roaring back in the next stage.

As the sun set over the picturesque Longines Tops International Arena, celebrations continued with music, live entertainment, and an atmosphere to remember. Spectators and competitors alike enjoyed an unforgettable day of top sport. The Championship race now heads to Riesenbeck, where the stakes will rise once again from 11–14 September 2025.