The Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames have officially unveiled their team lineup for the 2024 Global Champions League (GCL) season. This announcement marks a significant milestone as it introduces the first-ever all-female team in the prestigious GCL series, signalling a revolutionary shift in the league’s dynamics.
Building on the legacy of the Cannes Stars in the GCL series, this year’s team is set to elevate the competition by integrating the formidable prowess of the Iron Dames, a trailblazing force in motorsport known for their commitment to promoting female talent across various disciplines.
The Iron Dames project, which took flight in 2018, has garnered acclaim in motorsport circles for its historic performances in endurance racing while championing gender equality and empowerment. Now, for the first time, the Iron Dames venture into the world of equestrian team sports through their partnership with the Cannes Stars, heralding a new era of collaboration and innovation.
Deborah Mayer, the visionary behind the Iron Dames project, expressed her excitement about this milestone, stating, “I’m very excited and proud to see the Iron Dames project extend to the world of equestrian sports with the creation of Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames. To give birth to the first all-female team aiming to compete in the world’s greatest show-jumping events is a major step forward for the Iron Dames project and is particularly close to my heart.”
The star-studded Cannes Stars 2024 lineup features an impressive roster of riders, including Natalie Dean, Katrin Eckermann, Kim Emmen, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, Sophie Hinners, and Sanne Thijssen. Each member brings a unique blend of skill, passion, and determination to the team, promising an electrifying season ahead.
Speaking about their aspirations, American U25 rider Natalie Dean expressed the team’s collective ambition, saying, “We all want to win the championship one day, and it would be amazing if an all-female team could pull that off.”
Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among women in the sport. “It is a great opportunity, and as a group of women supporting each other, we can achieve more,” she remarked. “Being part of the Iron Dames family is a fantastic chance.”
With the stage set for a turbo-charged GCL season, the Cannes Stars, powered by Iron Dames, are poised to make history and inspire generations to come. As they take the reins and redefine the possibilities for women in equestrian sports, all eyes will be on this trailblazing team as they embark on their journey towards glory.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.