Valkenswaard United stole the spotlight, charging to a decisive win in Ramatuelle, St. Tropez as the 2025 Global Champions League (GCL) returned to the glamorous shores of the French Riviera this week for Stage 6 of the Championship.
Emerging as the fastest team to finish on four faults, Valkenswaard United delivered a clinical performance to secure their second victory of the 2025 season. This victory bolstered their position in the overall standings and intensified the race to the title.
It was the formidable Madrid-winning duo, Hans-Dieter Dreher and Gilles Thomas, who once again found themselves on top of the podium—this time in one of the most picturesque and pressure-packed venues on the circuit.
Tactical Precision from Valkenswaard
Coming into the second round, Valkenswaard United weren’t clear favourites. Yet their combination of strategic riding and confident pace paid dividends. While Dreher posted a commanding double clear, Thomas brought forward the nine-year-old Qalista DN, a newer ride in his string.
“In Madrid I had Luna and Ermitage, and now here with Qalista, she is a very good horse and I had a very good feeling but the first time you never quite know – today she did fantastic! I must add with the double clear of Hansi [Hans-Dieter Dreher], the credit must go to him for our podium today.”
Valkenswaard United now sits tied for second in the overall GCL standings with 124 points, making them one of the strongest teams of the season so far.
Cannes Stars Dig Deep for Second
Last year’s winners at this leg, Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, mounted a fierce comeback in St. Tropez. After sitting 9th following Round 1, Katrin Eckermann and Natalie Dean delivered gutsy rounds to rise through the leaderboard, missing the win by just 1.5 seconds.
“We saw many clear rounds in the first round, but again, the same as last year, the second round was tough. With the sun going down it is not so easy, but it was a nice day also for Anastasia joining the team for the first time in the first round. What a strong feeling with the team behind us!”
Their consistency this season is paying off—Cannes Stars remain at the top of the Championship table with 133 points.
Riesenbeck International Resilient in Third
Third place went to Riesenbeck International, powered by HorseGym, the only team to finish with 8 faults. The reliable pair of Christian Kukuk and Philipp Weishaupt showed solid form, although the team is still searching for a stroke of good fortune to push them back to winning ways.
“Probably two years ago we would’ve been a little disappointed with the third place, but so far this year we were struggling a bit with that last piece of luck you need… today we were missing it again, but Phillipp and I had a very good overall performance. It was a very challenging second round, so really we are very happy with the third place and we are looking forward to the next one.”
Mediterranean Drama with a Championship Twist
With its glittering coastline, packed stands, and electric atmosphere, Ramatuelle once again proved why it’s a fan favourite on the tour. Clear rounds were hard to come by in Round 2, as the lowering sun and technical track tested even the most seasoned combinations.
This result marks the tightest point in the Championship so far, with just nine points separating the top two teams, and Shanghai Swans quietly but steadily holding on to joint second with Valkenswaard.
2025 GCL Standings After Stage 6
- Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames – 133 points
- Valkenswaard United – 124 points
- Shanghai Swans – 124 points
- St. Tropez Pirates – 98 points
- Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team – 97 points
With momentum building and the championship battle heating up, all eyes now turn to the next leg of the tour as teams look to sharpen their standings in pursuit of GCL glory.
Feature image: Valkenswaard United claimed their second victory of the 2025 Global Champions League credit GCL.
