Beerbaum is hot favourite for the Grand Prix in the buzzing city of Shanghai

By: Global Champions Tour Media

The most famous names in show jumping have been enjoying the fantastic sights of the dynamic city of Shanghai today. The historic debut of the Tour in this hip, buzzing city has created huge excitement and this evening several hundred guests enjoyed a glamorous cocktail party on The Bund to celebrate this landmark Longines Global Champions Tour show jumping event. 

World No 3 Ludger Beerbaum (GER) said he was ‘curious’ to see Shanghai - the four-time Olympic Gold medallist is definitely hot favourite for the Grand Prix on Saturday. Beerbaum has an on-going association with Asian equestrianism and has been training Chinese riders since 2005. “To see the development of Chinese riders and Chinese events, and the sport in general in the last nine years, I am convinced that they will have success in future championships and Olympic Games,” says Beerbaum.

However, he admits it’s tough for Chinese riders to get the experience they need if they stay in China - the arrival of the LGCT marks a big step for equestrian sports here. “All over Europe we have thousands of shows to compete in every year, so riders have the chance to learn and improve week by week. Many top Chinese riders train in Europe because of this. For me success is about accuracy which comes with repetition. Accuracy is necessary all the time in our sports. It begins with the correct training and equipment for horse and rider, the first steps on horse back, the concentration in the class, preparing in the ring - everything.”

Beerbaum has a long a distinguished career winning many international medals. Before the London 2012 Olympics, he stated that it would be his last, but since he had to miss it because his horse was injured he is looking forward to Rio 2016. “My sport gives so much to me. I have the opportunity to travel around the world, and I meet people who share my hobby. I couldn´t imagine doing something without horses. They are my life. I am really grateful!” One of the many places that show jumping has brought this legendary German is Shanghai, city of lights and colour.

Shanghai, often dubbed the "Paris of the East" comes alive at night with stunning, colourful illuminations on the skyscrapers towering above the city streets along the colonial riverfront of The Bund and the futuristic Pudong financial district. The incredible destination is another jewel in the crown of the Tour's city locations this season, which will also see the Championship series travelling to London, Paris and Doha. Shanghai, like the other great cities on the Tour, offers cutting-edge fashion, with boutiques from all the leading luxury labels, great restaurants and nightlife.

Already riders, grooms and fans are posting photos of the showground in Pudong and the imposing and dramatic China Art Palace which overlooks the arena. The structure was originally the China Pavilion built for the World Expo 2010 and received close to 17 million visitors at the time.

All the action kicks off tomorrow at 12pm (local time) with the first CSI5* competition in the arena featuring the best riders and horses in the world, including Olympic medallists, and World Champions and Continental Champions. There will be intense interest on their performances as all eyes turn to the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Shanghai on Saturday afternoon and the next stage in the 2014 LGCT Championship race.

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