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Australia’s top Show Jumper claims a podium place in Cannes
Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Cannes: Edwina Tops-Alexander on Cevo Itot du Château Photograph:Sportfot/GCT |
Less than 40 days from the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, one of Australia's most popular athletes, Show Jumper Edwina Tops-Alexander has shown great form overnight taking third place in the fifth round of the Global Champions Tour in Cannes (FRA).
In doing so, Tops-Alexander retains the overall Global Champions Tour series lead, a position that she has held since the opening round in Doha, Qatar.
Tops-Alexander and her star chestnut gelding, Cevo Itot du Chateau, were one of only three combinations to jump a double clear round in the Cannes Grand Prix. They went on to produce a clear round in the three strong jump-off but their time of 34.89 was a fraction off the pace and placed them third on the podium behind Gerco Schröder (NED) and Rolf-Göran Bengtsson (SWE).
Speaking about the result she said: “So close but so far. Itôt is in great form and if someone had told me I would be third I would have been very happy. We are all here to try to win. Maybe I could have done one less stride to the last, but I am very happy.”
Tops-Alexander is currently ranked eighth in the world. She is also the only female and only Australian in the world top ten.
The Holland based Australian rider has already secured her second Olympic Games berth and now has her sights firmly set on Olympic glory.
15 June 2012
Edwina out to defend Cannes title
Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander will this weekend look to defend her Cannes' title at round five of the Global Champions Tour.
More than 100 riders will line up for this weekend’s competition, as they look to hone their preparations ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games, now just over 40 days away.
Tops-Alexander has already secured her second Olympic berth and has her sights firmly set on London.
Cannes holds a special place for her and Cevo Itôt du Chateau - the duo finished in first place at last year’s Cannes event with the local French crowd pleased to see a French horse take out line honours.
Currently sitting on top of the ladder with 96 points, Tops-Alexander will be looking to continue her strong form and bounce back from the fall she sustained in round four in Wiesbaden (Germany).
She is 14 points ahead of second place getter Marcus Ehning from Germany (82) with Gregory Wathelet from Belgium rounding out the minor places (77).
The richest show jumping tour in the world now moves to one of the most luxurious locations. The arena close to Cannes’ famous Croisette, home of the star-studded film festival, will attract thousands of keen spectators all eager to catch a glimpse of the best in action.
Eurosport on Foxtel channel 511 will broadcast the Cannes Global Champions Tour Grand Prix on Monday 18 June commencing at 6:15am AEST and again on Wednesday 20 June at 11:00am and 7pm AEST as well as Sunday 24 June at 9:30am. (Please be advised that broadcast times are subject to change and viewers should check the Eurosport website).
