Longines Global Champions Tour 2024:Top Show Jumping Stars Return to Rome

28 August 2024 Denisa Kucik

The 2024 edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) returns to Rome after olympic showcase. From August 30 to September 1, 2024, the prestigious show jumping circuit will take place at the historic Circus Maximus, marking the penultimate stage of the season. The event will bring together the finest athletes and horses from across the globe for a weekend of top-tier competition.

Press Conference Highlights: Rome Welcomes the LGCT Back

At a press conference of the 2024 edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour held today at the Circus Maximus, key figures including Alessandro Onorato, Councillor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism, and Fashion of Rome; Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitoline Assembly; and Marco Danese, Sports Director of the LGCT, emphasized the significance of hosting such a world-class event in one of Rome’s most iconic locations. Onorato remarked:

The Longines Global Champions Tour is a crucial event for Rome, combining top-level sports with a cultural celebration that engages both the local community and international visitors

A Stellar Line-Up of Riders Set for Rome

This year’s LGCT in Rome promises a remarkable roster of competitors. Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk and bronze medalist Maikel van der Vleuten will headline the event, alongside current championship leader Max Kühner. Nine of the top ten riders in the LGCT ranking are set to compete, including show jumping stars like Edwina Tops-Alexander, Christian Ahlmann, and John Whitaker.

Italian equestrian fans will have plenty to cheer for, with seven top Italian riders, including Emanuele Gaudiano, Piergiorgio Bucci, and Alberto Zorzi, competing in the CSI5* category. Additionally, the event will feature a significant contingent of under-25 talents, offering a glimpse of the sport’s future stars.

A Packed Schedule of Competition and Entertainment

The LGCT of Rome will feature 15 exciting competitions over three days, with a total prize fund of €780,000. The event not only showcases thrilling equestrian sports but also offers a rich program of cultural and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibitions, historical reenactments, and evening equestrian shows that celebrate the deep connection between horses and the cultural heritage of Rome.

Adding to the excitement, the Global Champions Arabians Tour will debut in Rome on September 6-7, bringing the world’s finest Arabian horses to the Circus Maximus. This new competition aims to highlight the unique qualities of purebred Arabian horses, which have played a significant role in equestrian history.

Battle for the Championship Heats Up

With only two stages left in the 2024 LGCT season, the race for the individual title is intense. Max Kühner currently leads with 234 points, closely followed by Christian Kukuk (209 points) and Maikel van der Vleuten (199 points). Other contenders include Andreas Schou, Sophie Hinners, Gilles Thomas, and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann.

The team competition in the Global Champions League is equally fierce, with the Cannes Stars leading the pack, followed by Riesenbeck International and Stockholm Hearts. The Rome Gladiators, a fan favorite, are currently in eighth place and will be looking to climb the rankings on home soil.

Rome Celebrates Equestrian Excellence and Cultural Heritage

The LGCT of Rome offers free admission to the public, inviting families, tourists, and equestrian enthusiasts to experience world-class show jumping in the heart of the Eternal City. Highlights include the Future Champions Powered by Whisper program, which allows young riders to get up close with their idols and learn about the sport. Additionally, the Baby Horse Village will offer pony rides and carriage experiences for the youngest fans.

Art lovers will also have something to look forward to, as the works of Michi Grassi and Carlo Romiti, featuring contemporary horse paintings, will be displayed around the venue. Evening events include performances by disabled and able-bodied riders, demonstrating the therapeutic and inclusive power of equestrian sports.