INTRODUCING THE 2023 GCL TEAM - Madrid in Motion

The Global Champions League (GCL) is a team competition in show jumping, which takes place over several legs throughout the year at different locations around the world. Here's how it works:

Teams: Each team consists of two to five riders (and once again every team will field a U25 rider as part of GCL’s commitment to the development of talented youth at the top level of show jumping) who represent a particular city or region. There are usually around 16 teams that compete in each leg of the competition.

Format: The competition is held over two rounds, with each rider jumping one round. The team's overall score is the total of the best three scores from the two rounds.

Scoring: Points are awarded for each placing in the round, with the winner getting 30 points, second place getting 28 points, and so on down to 1 point for 30th place. The team with the most points at the end of the competition is the winner.

Prize Money: The prize money is shared between the riders on the winning team. In addition, each rider earns points towards the individual rankings of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT).

Final: At the end of the season, the top 16 teams in the overall standings qualify for the Global Champions League Super Cup, which is a two-round final held at the end of the season. The winning team is crowned the Global Champions League Champion - This year team spirit, team tactics and the strongest combinations are what’s needed to win. Only the top teams will survive the ultimate showdown in the GCL Super Cup at the season-closing GC Prague Playoffs where a stunning €10 million will be up for grabs in just one weekend this November.

Madrid in Motion

Again joined by Eduardo Alvarez Aznar, and U25 young talent, Jack Whitaker, the formidable returning line up are adding fuel to the starting engines with Laura Kraut and Mark McAuley making an appearance for the team in 2023. Owned by the Ortega Family, Madrid in Motion will be aiming to up their successful record in pursuit of Championship glory in 2023.

Eduardo Alvarez Aznar Competing for: Spain Age: 39

Eduardo is entering his third consecutive season with Madrid in Motion; representing the team on many occasions over the last two years. Part of the team to win the GCL Super Cup at the Prague Playoffs of 2018, Eduardo then enjoyed podium finishes in Stockholm and Rome 2019, before another strong performance taking third place in the Prague Playoffs 2019. Eduardo returns to Madrid in Motion's starting lineup for the 2022 season. 2023 kick's off with Eduardo back on Madrid In Motion - a crucial member of the team he will be looking to gain maximum points again this season. 

Eric Van Der Vleuten Competing for: Netherlands Age: 59

Eric is entering another season with the Madrid in Motion team, being his son's teammate for both of Madrid In Motions' wins in the last few years. Eric brings his valuable experience from years of competing at the top level to the highly competitive team for 2022 - helping the team to successful performances in both the overall season championship and the GCL Super Cup. 2023 will see Eric once again join Marta Ortega's team Madrid In Motion as team manger and rider. 

Jack Whitaker Competing for: United Kingdom Age: 21

Jack Whitaker's star has risen in the last few years with many successes at international level. He now joined the GCL circuit in 2022 as the U25 rider on Madrid in Motion. Jack will be riding alongside a number of experienced faces, and is sure to draw on their experience while bringing his own talent to the team for an exciting new season. 2023 sees Jack stay with the same team he had many podiums with last year. 

Laura Kraut Competing for: United States Age: 57

Laura Kraut has been a familiar face for Monaco Aces since 2019, and prior to that, the Rome Gladiators, finishing on the podium with both teams on multiple occasions. In 2022, she moved to Valkenswaard United, adding to an already illustrious list of names on the team. But 2023 she got signed by Madrid In Motion - can they clinch another season championship with this fresh injection of talent?

Mark McAuley Competing for: Ireland Age: 36

After his first season in 2018 with the Montreal Diamonds team, Marc switched to Madrid in Motion for 2019, being on the team for their podium finish in Stockholm and Rome along with being on the team that finished 3rd of the Prague Playoffs Super Cup 2019. In 2022 & 2023 Mark remains with Madrid in Motion in a bid to seal further successes for the team.

Maikel Van Der Vleuten Competing for: Netherlands Age: 35

Maikel has been part of the GCL team competition since its creation in 2016, riding for Monaco Aces during the first season. Since 2017 he has been a pillar of the Madrid in Motion team, competing at twelve of the 2019 events and leading the team to wins in Cannes and St Tropez 2019, as well as being on the team during both successes of the Prague Playoffs. This year marks Maikel's 7th year as part of Madird In Motion.