The self-imposed target before the stage of the Global Champions League in Cannes on the French Riviera was clearly formulated for Team Riesenbeck International: To score points and not to slip any further in the standings. Christian Kukuk and his mare Just be Gentle and Philipp Schulze Topphoff with his Carla delivered. And how! The two - one 33 years old and the other just 25 years old and this season for the last time eligible to compete in the U25 riders - won the floodlit jumping competition to huge cheers from the fans and are already considered the "German Boys Band" in the world's most highly endowed series. 

Now Riesenbeck International has regained the lead in the standings (132 points) after six legs (leg number eleven will take place at home in Riesenbeck). Paris Panthers follows in second place (128) and Madrid in Motion is in third place (122). 

Team manager Ludger Beerbaum, who worked on the strategy throughout the week and supported the riders from the tournament in Balve, could hardly put his joy into words: "I am really overwhelmed, really great class! Both, riders and their horses played in their own league today!" 
His two riders present the whole team not only in the saddle, but also in front of the microphones sympathetic and confident. An emotional Christian Kukuk said after the work was done: "I would like to keep the red ranking armband of the leader for longer than just one tournament, because we have already given it back three times this year. When I watched the competition, I got a little nervous - I have a nine-year-old horse, Just be Gentle, and I don't know her very well at this level. I've only had her for a few months, but when I entered the course and Philipp crossed the line with a clear round, I thought, ok, now it's concentration time. What my horse showed today was just incredible. We have every reason to be very, very happy tonight."

Philipp Schulze Topphoff had confidently done the groundwork with his ten-year-old mare Carla, who is still inexperienced in top sport, and laid the foundation for the success with two clear rides. He demonstrated once again what an important part he is in the team. Modestly he only said: "I try not to let it become too obvious that I am 'the younger one' - I have a brilliant team that helps me especially when going down the course. We are very happy to win this great tournament!"

The euphoria continued on the final day at the closing Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix. With his Carla, Philipp Schulze Topphoff sensationally finished fourth in the 1.60 m jump-off after the jump-off (0/40.23) and thus won 50,000 euros. For sixth place (0/40.90) on his extremely consistent stallion Mumbai, Christian Kukuk received another 22,500 euros in prize money. What a conclusion to an extremely successful show!

All results at www.longinestiming.com/equestrian/2023/longines-global-champions-tour-of-cannes-cannes