Round 12 and it was the perfect prelude to the 2016 Rio Olympics as a phenomenal battle took place for the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard, with Brazil-bound Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) and the formidable Casall ASK taking the win in spectacular style in front of thousands of spectators. The overall LGCT Rankings has taken a dramatic turn, with Rolf now sitting in second place and vowing to 'never give up' as the final rounds play out.
With all three top ranked LGCT riders in action for the Grand Prix and in a pivotal position to take the lead in the overall Champion of Champions battle, the scene was set for what was to become one of the most sensational Grand Prix events of the season so far. No less than 23 Olympic-bound riders were in action over the course of the weekend at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard, raising the stakes in the final top level competition ahead of the Games. Crowds flocked to the Tops International Arena to cheer on their show jumping idols in the final top-level high drama Grand Prix before they fly directly to Brazil.
Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS) keeps hold of her overall LGCT Ranking lead with a tally of 265 points overall, however Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE) is nail-bitingly close and has shot up to second following today’s win, where he now sits on 240 points overall. Just 8 points away and breathing heavily down the leaders’ necks is World Number 1 Christian Ahlmann (GER) who keeps his score of 232 points but will be looking to rocket back up the rankings as the final stages of the LGCT season unfold. Click below to see how it happened.
