Mexico City – April 29, 2022 – The New York Empire powered to two perfect performances in an intensely competitive first round of the Global Champions League of Mexico as riders Spencer Smith (USA) and Denis Lynch (IRL) delivered. The dynamic duo look to help the team from the United States score precious points to improve from their current eleventh positing in the season standings (24) points after the first two legs.

The season-long battle is in full swing and this week the 16 GCL teams faced a huge grass arena in the stunning setting of Campo Marte in the heart of Mexico City. GCL Mexico City is the only event on the calendar that has never been won on a clean sheet and with 3 teams on a faultless score, history could be made tomorrow.

The Shanghai Swans duo of Christian Ahlmann (GER) with Mandato van de Neerheide and Katrin Eckermann (GER) with Chao Lee produced a spell-binding double clear in yesterday’s opening round and they proved unstoppable as poles fell for their rival teams, leaving them overnight leaders ahead of tomorrow’s crucial decider.

Round 1 highlighted the immense young talent in the sport as U25 riders made light work of Peter Grant’s 1.50/1.55m track, highlighted with clear round Cannes Stars’ Isabella Russekoff (USA) too.

With plenty of tactics in play and new rivalries unfolding, this unique team competition swung swiftly into action in the heart of Mexico City. Four teams sit on 0 penalty-points overnight, Shanghai Swans, Hamburg Giants, New York Empire and St Tropez Pirates, while Miami Celtics are just behind on a single time penalty that Michael G Duffy (IRL) picked up.

Final Results – Global Champions League of Mexico City CSI 5* – Round 1

Place / Team / Round 1 Combined Score / Combined Time

1) Shanghai Swans – 0 – 147.53

2) Hamburg Giants – 0 – 148.04

3) New York Empire – 0 – 151.11

Source: Press Release (edited) from LGCT – Longines Global Champions Tour

Photo: © LGCT / New York Empire / Stefano Grasso

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