The stars aligned in Germany’s horse capital as Gerit Nieberg and the 10-year-old Ping Pong van de Lentamel delivered a dream result – a home victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Riesenbeck. In front of an electric crowd, Nieberg rose to the occasion to secure his first ever LGCT Grand Prix win, the emotion of the moment written across his face as the German national anthem rang out through the packed stadium.
Adding to the drama of the afternoon, as last to go, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson piloted Alcapone des Carmille to second place, with Dutch star Harrie Smolders once again showing his trademark consistency. Riding Bingo du Parc, Smolders collected yet another LGCT podium – the 28th of his remarkable career – to complete a world-class top three.
For Nieberg, the triumph carried even greater meaning. Just 45 minutes from his hometown, surrounded by family and friends, the 32-year-old was visibly moved as he stood tall on the podium, a new chapter in his career etched into the history books of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Riesenbeck International.
With a grin stretching ear to ear, Nieberg admitted he was lost for words. “It’s difficult to find the words right now. I couldn’t be happier with how he jumped – he’s an amazing horse and I am so happy to be standing here right now,” he said. “It is definitely my highlight of the year so far, and he’s only 10 years old, still quite inexperienced at this level. He’s such a cool horse – the easiest character every single day.”
Asked where he felt he won it, Nieberg laughed: “Somewhere between the first and last jump!”
On the slightly green Bingo du Parc, two time LGCT Grand Prix winner this season already, Harrie exclaimed “I’m super pleased with Bingo, he stepped up and jumped even better – very solid round. As first to go it is always tough but there wasn’t much more possible for me today.”
Podium veteran and 2021 LGCT Champion Peder Fredricson, who collected his 10th LGCT Grand Prix podium, was quick to praise the home hero. “Gerrit is a truly fantastic rider. I think he really brings out the best of the horses he rides and I’m really happy for his win today.”
The result also shook up the 2025 LGCT Championship race. Gilles Thomas still leads on 241 points, but Christian Kukuk made a huge leap to second on 187 points. Runner-up in last year’s overall standings, Kukuk now has his sights firmly set on going one better this season. Andreas Schou sits in third with 173 points, followed by Simon Delestre on 164.20 and Maikel van der Vleuten on 158.17.
Frank Rothenberger and Peter Schumacher’s demanding 1.60m track proved unforgiving, with several of the sport’s headline names – including Henrik von Eckermann, Katrin Eckermann, Maximilian Weishaupt and Andreas Schou – electing to retire mid-round.
Agonisingly close, Annelies Vorsselmans saw their hopes slip away from the jump-off after jumping clear but with two time faults. The tension mounted as Cian O’Connor had the final fence down, and home hero Chrisitian Kukuk was clear until the final line on Just Be Gentle pushing them out of contention.
Six world-class combinations lined up for the jump-off, each gunning for glory on Riesenbeck’s grand stage.
Pathfinder Harrie Smolders meant business with Bingo du Parc, the gelding chasing Harrie’s third LGCT Grand Prix win of the season. The Dutchman delivered trademark precision, stopping the clock clear in 48.78s and piling pressure onto the rest of the field.
Next in, young British talent Jack Whitaker lit up the arena aboard his 11-year-old grey Jack JL. Feeding off the energy of the packed grandstands, the pair matched Smolders’ split times halfway through, producing a stylish double clear in 49.66s – just off the pace but enough to keep the tension sky high.
The moment belonged to Germany when Gerrit Nieberg entered with Ping Pong van de Lentamel. From the first stride he attacked the course, over a second up on the clock at the halfway mark. Galloping to the last, Ping Pong soared clear in 46.99s, igniting a roar from the home fans as Nieberg stormed into the lead. But with three still to come, with names of Ahlmann, Kühner and Fredricson, the result was far from certain.
Christian Ahlmann gave it everything with D’Aganix 2000 Z, chasing a German one-two. Quick across the ground, his hopes ended when a pole fell at the double, leaving him on four faults in 49.14s.
Reigning LGCT Champion Max Kühner followed with EIC Cooley Jump the Q, aiming to secure his golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix. Up on the clock through the midway point, a late rail dashed his chances – four faults in a rapid 46.56s, faster than Nieberg but off the podium.
Last to go, Sweden’s Peder Fredricson and Alcapone des Carmille gave everything. Riding the tightest of turns and flying to the Longines upright in front of the VIP, he crossed the finish in 48.17s. It was enough for second, but the day belonged to Germany’s new hero.
As the sun set over Riesenbeck, tears flowed on the podium and from the grandstands. Nieberg’s emotional home victory sealed Stage 11 of the season in unforgettable fashion, while the LGCT Championship race grew even hotter. The Tour now heads across the Atlantic for its only USA stage of the year – the LGCT of New York, set against the iconic backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan from 19–21 September.
Full results here.
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