The 2021 dates for the Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL team se-ries are revealed today with fans worldwide anticipating a sensational new championship race.
There will be 16 events on the LGCT and GCL calendar next year as the worlds greatest riders and horses join the ultimate contest for individual and team glory.
The championship season will start at the stunning AL SHAQAB arena in Doha, Qatar, in March and finish with the Finals in New York in September followed by the ultimate showdown at the GC Prague Playoffs in November.
Jan Tops, President of LGCT and GCL, said: “We are pleased to announce our dates for 2021 and to look forward to a new season with confidence and excitement, but also with humility. I know all our stakeholders and especially our loyal fans are looking forward to a fresh start with a new season after such a difficult year for everyone due to the global pandemic.
“We are working closely with our host cities and organising partners to deliver a welcome return to top-level show jumping with robust health and safety protocols. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support including our sponsors and team owners.”
The kick off event in Doha (4-6 March) will see the first LGCT Grand Prix of the year and an intriguing look at the form of top riders and horses. GCL teams will go into battle over two rounds with new strategies to take them to victory in 2021.
Spectacular Shanghai (30 April-2 May dates TBC) will be followed by a fantastic five months across Europe touching down in dynamic capital cities and beautiful Riviera destinations.
May takes in Hamburg (12-16 May), Madrid (21-23 May) and Ramatuelle/Saint-Tropez (27-29 May). Early summer will see events in Cannes (3-5 June), Stockholm (18-20 June), Paris (25-27 June). Heading further south the circuit travels to Monaco (1-3 July), before moving to Germany’s capital Berlin (22-25 July) and the UK’s capital city London (13-15 August).
Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard (20-22 August) will be another supreme test for the best on the high tech new grass arena surface before Rome (9-12 September). The circuit then moves to Mexico City (16-19 September) and the LGCT and GCL Championship Finals in New York (24-26 September) with the breathtaking backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyline.
All roads lead to the GC Prague Playoffs (18-21 November) and the supreme test of the GCL Super Cup and the LGCT Super Grand Prix with a huge prize purse.
Longines will once again be Title Partner and Official Timekeeper building on the strong partnership with the circuit for many years. Longines will be presenting elegant timepieces to recognise the great performances of every Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix and Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix winner.
Global Champions is also delighted to launch a brand new website today giving fans an enhanced user-friendly experience. Our fresh new website is packed with useful information and photos and videos capturing fantastic LGCT and GCL moments. Stay tuned for the new line up of teams for the 2021 GCL championship as fans across the world get ready for the start of another epic season. All the action, including the GCL R1 & R2 and the LGCT Grand Prix, will be streamed live on GCTV at every event.