Final Round of Global Champions Tour to Take Place in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Edwina Tops-Alexander and Cevo Itot du Chateau following their win at Cannes. (Photo: Stefano Grasso/GCT)

 

Abu Dhabi, the capital, and largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, will provide an idyllic location for one the world's most popular show jumping events.

With over 200 natural islands, offering some of the most untouched beaches in the region, and newly developed world class venues, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming one of the most sought out tourist and sporting destinations in the world. 

As a new inclusion on the Global Champions Tour, Abu Dhabi has joined the fold of fantastic venues around the world where the leading show jumping series visits in 2011.  The final of 10 rounds of the GCT series in 2011 will be held at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, November 24-26. The resort was created with a vision to nurture local sporting talents and help establish Abu Dhabi as a top international sports destination.

“We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi into the Global Champions Tour for 2011, and look forward to a long and successful partnership,” affirmed Jan Tops, President of the Global Champions Tour. “With their world class facilities at the Al Forsan International Sport Resort, Abu Dhabi is a wonderful addition to the tour. Abu Dhabi will bring its own unique culture, landscape and fans to the GCT experience."

The Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is destined to commence at 20h45 (CET) on Saturday 26^th November, 2011.  The Grand Prix will be broadcast by Eurosport 22h15 (CET) and the first round available via live streaming at www.globalchampionstour.com.

In fact, all of the 5* classes over the three days will be available to view via live streaming from the dedicated Global Champions Tour website.

The Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates provides a total prize money cache of € 400.000 divided as follows: 1st €.130.000, 2nd €.84.000, 3rd €.50.000, 4th €.32.000, 5th €.22.000, 6th€.13.000, 7th €.12.000, 8th to 11th € 8.000 each, 12th to 15th € 4.000 each, 16th to 18th € 3.000 each

Australian Edwina Tops-Alexander and German Ludger Beerbaum will battle it out for the top honours of the Global Champions Tour Champion for 2011. The remarkable auxiliary €1 million, to be shared amongst the top 18 ranked riders at the conclusion of the series, will see the highest ranked rider taking home a €300,000 cheque.

Edwina won the GCT legs in Cannes and Chantilly and placed second in Rio de Janeiro, while Ludger had solid placing second in Valencia & Hamburg, and third in the Cannes & Estoril rounds.

Going into the final round the GCT Ranking is topped by Edwina with 238 points and Ludger in second with 218.50 points. No other rider can eclipse theses two, however others will be jockeying for positions themselves for the best spoils to be handed out down the ranking list as follows:

1^st € 300,000, 2^nd € 180,000, 3^rd € 120,000, 4^th € 80,000, 5^th € 60,000, 6^t & 7^th € 33,750, 8^th -11^th € 20,000, 12^th -15^th € 10,000, 16^th -18^th  € 7,500. Prizes won by competitors who are tied are added and divided equally. 

Current Top 20 Ranked Riders 2011

1. Edwina Alexander                      Australia            238
2. Ludger Beerbaum                      Germany            218.50
3. Alvaro de Miranda Neto             Brazil                 194
4. Luciana Diniz                             Portugal            192
5. Denis Lynch                               Ireland              178
6. Rolf-Goran Bengtsson               Sweden             172
7. Philipp Weishaupt                     Germany            170
8. Christian Ahlmann                     Germany            157
9. Marco Kutscher                         Germany            150
10. Pius Schwizer                            Switzerland       145
11. Kevin Staut                                France              143
12. Rodrigo Pessoa                         Brazil                 136
13. Clarissa Crotta                          Switzerland       136
14. Billy Twomey                              Ireland              131
15. Gerco Schroder                          Netherlands      123
16. Judy-Ann Melchior                      Belgium             118
17. Marcus Ehning                           Germany           116
18. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum     Germany          115
19. Laura Kraut                                USA                  112
20. Marc Houtzager                          Netherlands       85

Quick Link

• Visit the Global Champions Tour website.