The 2019 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) returns for an intriguing stop in Germany’s capital this weekend.
The very best horses and riders from across the world will descend on Berlin for the 13th stop of the tour, aiming to claim what could be a vital win in this year’s competition.
Belgian rider Pieter Devos has a golden opportunity to move back to the top of the overall rankings, sitting just 11 points behind current leader Ben Maher.
Olympic gold medalist Maher regained his lead after his performance in Chantilly last time out but the pair will both be pushed by home hero Daniel Deusser.
The German currently sits in third, 20 points behind Maher, but has already proved what home support can do to his performance.
Deusser’s only win this season came in Hamburg, Germany, earlier this year after he finished just a fraction of a second ahead of Egyptian Nayel Nassar.
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German fans will also be able to cheer on the likes of Ludger Beerbaum, Christian Ahlmann, and Philipp Weishaupt.
Meanwhile, in the tight Global Champions League team event, Miami Celtics head the standings by just three points from Shanghai Swans with the London Knights in third, nine points further adrift.
READ: Global Champions 2019: Schedule and results
Berlin has been a popular stop on the tour since it was added in 2017.
Shaped like an amphitheater, the historic Sommergarten arena offers a unique atmosphere.
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The Global Champions Tour now features 19 worldwide stops and culminates in the Prague Playoffs from November 21-24.
Organizers announced the Montreal leg of the tour will not take place this season because necessary conditions were not put in place in a timely manner. It was due to be held on September 19-22.
