After the disappointing start for Team Riesenbeck International to the Global Champions League season in Miami two weeks ago, the next stage now took place in Mexico City. Team manager Ludger Beerbaum relied on a proven pair with Christian Kukuk and Checker, while Ciaran Nallon and the mare Casalla Blue PS were given their first opportunity to prove themselves in the Global Champions League. After Ciaran Nallon had two knockdowns in the first round, the team had to worry about making it into the top 10. However, although four teams went clear and another five teams had only one fault each, it was just enough to qualify for the second round. The competition continued in reverse order, and both Christian Kukuk and Ciaran Nallon delivered strong, faultless rounds, leaving the team with a total of two knockdowns after both rounds.
Only the St. Tropez Pirates, with American rider Kaitlin Campbell and Italian Piergiorgio Bucci, also managed to produce two clear rounds in the second round. With one fault from the first round and thanks to their fast time, they secured victory in Mexico. Close behind, also with just one fault, were the Istanbul Warriors (Abdel Saïd (BEL) / Simon Delestre (FRA)) and the Basel Cosmopolitans (Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) / Zascha Nygaard (DEN)). Team Riesenbeck International fought their way up to fifth place.
Statement from Team Manager Ludger Beerbaum:
“That was a really strong performance by the entire team. To keep their nerve after finishing tenth in the first round and still make it into the top five is a great result. Christian and Checker were in top form and showed all their class, and Ciaran and Casalla Blue PS delivered a truly impressive debut in their first appearance for the team.”
