INTRODUCING THE 2023 GCL TEAM - The Istanbul Warriors
The Istanbul Warriors powered by Carpe Diem are set for battle in 2023, returning to the ultimate teams challenge for the second year.
With Derin Demirsoy, Omer Karaevli and Efe Siyahi joined by Abdel Saïd, Andreas Schou, and exciting U25 talent Johanna Beckmann in the fold, this team will certainly be one to watch as the Championship race unfolds.
Derin Demirsoy Competing for: Turkey Age: 28
Derin Demirsoy began training with Henk Nooren in April 2012. He moved his horses to Nooren Stables in Belgium, beginning his international career, and also began studying at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. His silver medal at the 2011 European Junior Championships in Comporta, Portugal, was the first time a Turkish rider had finished on the podium at the event. Derin joined the Istanbul Sultans for the 2022 GCL season and 2023 sees a small re band in the team now named Istanbul Warriors.
Omer Karaevli Competing For: Turkey Age: 45
2022 saw Omer Karaevli make his first appearance on the GCL circuit, and for brand new team Istanbul Sultans. Hailing from Turkey, Omer rides alongside two of his compatriots, Derin Demirsoy and Efe Siyahi. It's all to play for this season as the team re named itself the Istanbul Warriors.
Efe Siyahi Competing for: Turkey Age: 35
Turkish rider Efe Siyahi has been passionate about horses from a young age, and moved to the Netherlands to begin his professional career, setting up his own base in partnership with his father. Having gained experience at international level, in 2022 Efe took the reins in a brand new GCL team - Istanbul Sultans. For 2023 the now Istanbul Warriors are sure to be ones to watch with a wealth of talent and a hunger to reach the top of the podium in the 2023 season.
Abdel Saïd Competing for Belgium Age: 33
Abdel has been a strong performer since joining the GCL circuit in 2017, having ridden on teams such as Cannes Stars, Rome Gladiators and London Knights. This year, Abdel joins an impressive lineup of Derin Demirsoy, Omer Karaevli, Efe Siyahi, Andreas Schou, and exciting U25 talent Johanna Beckmann. A thrilling season awaits in 2023, with Istanbul Warriors as true championship contenders!
Johanna Beckmann Competing for: Germany Age: 20
Andreas Schou Competing for: Denmark Age: 37
