Making an electric return to the LGCT calendar this year, the Longines Global Champions Tour heads to the breathtaking destination of Miami Beach, with a formidable line-up of the world’s top show jumpers vying for success on the sandy shoreline from April 14 – 16, 2022.
Riding just a stone’s throw away from the turquoise waters of the Atlantic ocean, the second leg of the Championship promises an edge-of-the-seat weekend of top sport. The game-changing venue of LGCT Miami Beach has become one of the most spectacular show jumping destinations in the world, with free entry fans flock to the sands to see their heroes up close, and hundreds of thousands more tuning in on the live streaming. From all over the world, riders and horses have flown into the high profile US destination, with the American stop on the 16-leg Championship undoubtedly one of the most highly sought-after.
Overall ranking leader Ludger Beerbaum will be hoping to extend his lead, however, the pressure will be on at such an early part of the season. Reigning LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach winner Pieter Devos will be trying to defend his title and as he is only 7 points behind Beerbaum on the rankings he could soar into the lead.
But they’ll face stiff competition from two-time LGCT Grand Prix of Miami Beach winner Edwina Tops-Alexander, as well as 2018 & 2019 LGCT Champion Ben Maher both of who will be looking to kick-start their 2022 Championship campaign.
American fans will be able to cheer on home heroes, including Georgina Bloomberg, Jessica Springsteen, Margie Goldstein-Engle, Laura Kraut, Spencer Smith, Kent Farrington and many more. But it’s set to be a battle of the best, with a heavyweight international field also flexing their muscles, with big names such as Nicola and Olivier Philippaerts, Niels Bruynseels, Nayel Nassar, Christian Ahlmann, Daniel Deusser, Darragh Kenny, Denis Lynch, Shane Breen and Maikel van der Vleuten.
As well as winning the 300,000 euro LGCT Grand Prix, riders are also fighting for a golden ticket to the GC Prague Playoffs, where each individual winner will earn a place in the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix – the ultimate face-off in November where the season’s winning riders will battle for the lion’s share of 1.25 million euros.
So far, Ludger Beerbaum is the only rider to secure his place in the final showdown, but who will join him after next weekend in Miami Beach?
All three days of top sporting action including the CSI2* classes will be live-streamed via GCTV, so be sure to tune in to watch the drama as it unfolds. With a cavalcade of stars confirmed for the second leg of the 2022 Championship, including many of the biggest American names in the sport, next week is set to be a thrilling showcase of top sport and entertainment.
For the full schedule, please click here.
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