NEWS > Jumping
Posted by Equestrian Australia on 05/09/2013.

Global Champions Tour of Lausanne


Edwina Tops-Alexander and Guccio third at the 2013 Monaco GCT 
Photograph:Stefano Grasso/GCT

The Top 30 riders in the world will be out in force for the 10th stage of the world's premier show jumping championship circuit to be held in Lausanne from 19-22 September.

Rivalry between the leading riders is hotter than ever with only two points separating current ranking leader Laura Kraut (USA) and Christian Ahlmann (GER). Australia’s leading jumping rider Edwina Tops-Alexander is currently in sixth position and remains in touch with the top riders.

The Swiss leg is one of the last critical points of the 2013 Longines Global Champions Tour series and the competition will be intense. Champions US rider Laura won the debut Grand Prix in Lausanne in 2012 on her superstar Cedric and has already proved herself a formidable opponent this year by winning in Wiesbaden and coming 2nd in Madrid. She said: “I am really looking forward to going back to Lausanne and to be back on top and in the lead again.”

It will be the second time the championship circuit has landed in Lausanne and the rivalry this season is hotter than ever. Different riders have won each Grand Prix during the series and there is all to play for in the overall championship when €1 million will be divided between the top 18 riders at the final event in November.

All the top-level 5* action will take place against the spectacular backdrop of the Alps and Lake Geneva with all the great equestrian nations represented. The thrilling battle for the championship will step up another gear at the Bellerive show ground and once again riders and horses will be tested by a complete change of surface. They will face a switch from the large grass arena of the previous leg in Valkenswaard to the compact sand arena in Lausanne, where course designer Luc Musette will deliver a serious technical challenge.

On Saturday evening (September 14th) the €285,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Lausanne will once again draw the crowds and the public grandstands and the VIP Hospitality lodges are expected to be packed. There will be enthusiastic support for Swiss home riders including Pius Schwizer, Steve Guerdat and Jane Richard Philips.

Live streaming of the event will be available through the Global Champions Tour website and Eurosport on Foxtel will also replay the CSI5* Grand Prix. Check your local guides for broadcast times.

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