INTRODUCING THE 2023 GCL TEAM - The Prague Lions
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.
The Prague Lions
Will 2023 be the year we hear the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team roar to overall victory?
Niels Bruynseels, Pieter Devos and Anna Kellnerova return to the roster as anchors of the ultra successful 2022 team. This season they are joined by Johnny Pals, Fernando Martinez Sommer and Thibeau Spits (U25) in their pursuit of ruling the GCL kingdom.
Pieter Devos Competing for: Belgium Age: 37
Pieter has been competing on the GCL team competition since 2017. In 2023, Pieter returns to the Prague Lions roster after an incredible season in 2022, joining his compatriot Niels Bruynseels, Prague native Anna Kellnerova, as well as Johnny Pals, Fernando Martinez Sommer and Thibeau Spits (U25). The Lions will be looking for a strong finish to jump into the GCL Super Cup Final at their home event, the GC Prague Playoffs!
Anna Kellnerová Competing for: Czechia Age: 26
Returning with the Prague Lions to the tour in 2023, Anna will be joined by returning teammates Niels Bruynseels, Pieter Devos, joined by Johnny Pals, Fernando Martinez Sommer and Thibeau Spits (U25) in their pursuit of GCL glory.
Johnny Pals Competing for: Netherlands Age: 41
Johnny Pals joins an impressive roster of fellow athletes in the Prague Lions for 2023. Making the move from Cannes Stars, he will be looking to use his wealth of experience to help the team go from strength to strength in pursuit of championship glory.
Thibeau Spits Competing for: Belgium Age: 22
Will 2023 be the year we hear the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team roar to overall victory? Niels Bruynseels, Pieter Devos and Anna Kellnerova return to the roster as anchors of the ultra successful 2022 team. This season they are joined by Johnny Pals, Fernando Martinez Sommer and Thibeau Spits (U25) in their pursuit of ruling the GCL kingdom.
Fernando Martinez Sommer Competing for: Mexico Age: 33
Fernando returns for his second GCL season in 2023, making the move to Prague Lions, after his debut year with the Rome Gladiators. After an impressive 2022, the team are chasing the ultimate teams Championship for the 2023 season.
Niels Bruynseels Competing for: Belgium Age: 39
Niels Bruynseels grew up surrounded by horses, with his father, Harry Bruynseels, a renowned horse trader. Nevertheless, Niels only started competing at the age of 14. It is a well-known rule in many trading stables, that the best horses are sold first, just like it happened at Stal Bruynseels and as such, Niels rode many new horses. At first, the always-changing situation seemed a setback, but in the long run it proved a blessing as Niels learned to ride and adapt to many different types of horses. In 2019 Niels won his first-ever LGCT Grand Prix under the lights in Cannes on his very talented mare Gancia de Muze.
Niels has been on the GCL team competition since 2017, joining the Prague Lions in 2018 after one season with the Vienna Eagles.
