When in Rome, and it was Flying Dutchman Harrie Smolders and Don VHP who seized victory in a dramatic jump off as Rolf-Goran Bengtsson took over the lead of the championship race in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Rome. The rescheduled €391,900 class Grand Prix saw Smolders snatch the win from his compatriot Maikel van der Vleuten and then narrowly hold onto his lead after a challenge from the final rider to enter the ring - the speedy Frenchman Simon Delestre, who took the silver medal today.
Power combinations, featuring the Top 30 ranked riders in the world, delivered a stunning display of show jumping under the blazing Italian sunshine.
The passionate and knowledgeable Italian crowd were on the edge of their seats as home rider Alberto Zorzi (ITA) narrowly lost out on a podium place after joining the ranks of the combinations who delivered triple clear rounds in the 1.60m class. There was disappointment for Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS), who started the event as ranking leader, but lost out on points to close rival Rolf-Goran Bengtsson who is now five points ahead of her on the leaderboard.
The Stadio dei Marmi is another unique stage on the Tour’s dynamic global calendar with the amphitheatre wrapped around the sand arena. Riders were able to watch the Grand Prix action from the chic environment of the Hermes Riders’ Lounge, and he smart shopping village was bustling with locals and tourists enjoying free access to the international sports event next to the Olympic Stadium. They were treated to some of the great heavy weight combinations in show jumping today with a thrilling double bill of the Longines Global Champions Tour individual competition followed by the Global Champions League team competition later in the day.
