For the second of the three French legs, team manager Ludger Beerbaum selected Riesenbeck-based Irish rider Ciarán Nallon and former Beerbaum Stables rider Christian Kukuk to compete for Team Riesenbeck International in the Global Champions League in St. Tropez.
Ciarán Nallon and Casalla Blue PS delivered a faultless round, but Christian Kukuk and Checker incurred two rails down. As a result, the team finished the first round with eight penalty points in fourth place, securing qualification for the second round. With just four penalty points, Cannes Stars, represented by Monaco’s Anastasia Nielsen and Germany’s Katrin Eckermann, led the standings heading into the decisive round.
In the second round, Nallon once again produced a clear round, making him and Casalla Blue PS one of only two horse-and-rider combinations in St. Tropez to remain fault-free in both rounds. Kukuk and Checker followed suit, delivering a clear and fast round of their own. This moved Team Riesenbeck International into the lead with a total of eight penalty points across both rounds.
However, the competition remained exciting until the very last combination. Nielsen incurred another rail down in the second round, leaving both teams tied on penalties before the final rider entered the arena. Eckermann needed a clear and fast round to secure victory for the Cannes Stars. But the rail at the final obstacle fell, handing Team Riesenbeck International its first stage victory of the season and moving the team up to second place in the overall standings.
Christian Kukuk in the Winner’s Interview
"Although I had two mistakes in the first round, overall Checker felt very good. We needed one round to find our rhythm, but in the second round Checker showed what he is capable of when it really matters. Ciarán also delivered another outstanding performance in the second round. His two rounds today with Casalla Blue PS were exceptional; they were one of only two combinations to complete both rounds without a fault. Fortunately, Checker and I were able to return to our best form in the second round. We are incredibly happy to stand on the top step of the podium for the first time this season. So far, it has been a rather challenging season for us, but hopefully this victory marks a turning point."
