A chat with the event's president and show director, Ludger Beerbaum and Karsten Lütteken
This is the second time that the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League have been held. How has the response been so far from the athletes and spectators?
Karsten Lütteken: "On the one hand, there is the qualitative feedback. All the visitors who are often here, not just the riders, have a smile and a positive comment or praise on their lips - about how things are going, how the conditions are, both in the organisation and in the stables and on the arenas. That's very good feedback, we couldn't wish for better. We are also satisfied with the quantitative feedback so far. The first day was a chance for people from the region to try it out, but there were already a lot of spectators at the sand arena who enjoyed the sport and the beautiful summer evening."
In the overall concept of Riesenbeck International with numerous late-entry, one and two-star competitions as well as LWEA Academy events, is the LGCT and GCL leg the highlight of the year?
Ludger Beerbaum: "Yes, it's basically the case that the other events are our bread-and-butter business. This one highlight of the year, as things stand today, is the LGCT and GCL stage. We have a three-year contract, now is the second year, and after that we renegotiate. There is the option of two more years, but that is not yet current. Basically, of course, we are planning to have a sporting highlight at this facility every year that stands out from the bread-and-butter events, that is definitely part of the concept.”
Are you experiencing increased interest in the run-up to the Olympic Games?
Karsten Lütteken: "Advance ticket sales have been good so far, but there are still tickets available at the box office for the weekend — general admission tickets, which allow you to watch from the grass wall along the main stadium, as well as a few seats for the open and covered stands. I'm curious to see what the overall qualitative feedback will be in terms of visitor numbers. Those who want to see Olympic aspirants are coming today and are looking forward to tomorrow.”
Are the riders using the event as preparation for the Olympics?
Ludger Beerbaum: "The fact that we have a very good starting field here with 22 Olympic candidates speaks for itself - it just fits in with the training programme. These riders didn't just decide to travel to Riesenbeck with their good horses because it's supposed to be nice there. They thought about it carefully with their federation and consciously included the start in their Olympic planning. They know that the training conditions here are ideal, both on grass and on sand, and that they can ride at three or five-star level. This is something very special that we are all very proud of. Many would have started here without the LGCT and GCL in mind. It's all about the conditions, the ground, the arena and the stables. The fact that we can also offer the LGCT and GCL stage is what makes it so special.”
In addition to the streaming providers GCTV and ClipMyHorse.TV, German broadcaster WDR also shows the sport on Saturday and Sunday. How important is this from the organisers' point of view?
Karsten Lütteken: "The broadcasts on public television are very important for us. Many people no longer have a television and stream anyway - equestrian sport also offers a very comprehensive international programme in really high production quality - but you shouldn't forget that there are many people who just want to take a look. Reaching these people is important. It also gives the event something of a little bonus: The fact that a sports editorial team from public television decides to attend, that they have a presenter and team on site, simply emphasises its standing. But of course it also pleases the people who come here. Some might watch it again the next day in the media library.”
The decisions of the Global Champions League are on the programme today. How are things looking for Team Riesenbeck this season?
Ludger Beerbaum: "Last year we were very successful, this year we are successful. The whole year was perhaps a bit more valleys than mountains, but there are still four stages to go and then we'll see. It's the home stage for our Riesenbeck International team, today is all about collecting points and maybe making up some ground.”
And does the host have a tip as to who will take home victory in the LGCT Grand Prix of Riesenbeck on Sunday?
Ludger Beerbaum: "I say he comes from the Münsterland!"
(Editor's note: Meaning he comes from the region)
