07/05/2011

Irishman victorious after a spectacular round in which he risked a lot in order to obtain the 40 points for the GTC ranking. German Ludger Beerbaum was second and Dutch Maikel Van Der Vleuten, third. After this Spanish leg, Brazilian Álvaro de Miranda continues head of the ranking GTC 2011.

In front of an immense crowd and in an absolutely exciting competition, Irishman Twomey obtains a fantastic win at the Grand Prix of Spain - Banco Sabadell Trophy.

The rain seemed that it was going to threat the competition, but finally, and after a pour right before the class, the sky gave a break and shortly after showed a shining sun.

A total of 50 riders were competing at the GP of Spain- Banco Sabadell Trophy with an only target: to win. However, only the 19 riders that made a clear round (0 points) went to the second round. After a breathtaking second round, only four riders went to the Jump Off: American Laura Kraut, Dutch Maikel Van Der Vleuten, Irish Billy Twomey and German Ludger Beerbaum
Riding J’Taime Flamenco, Twomey risked a lot in the round in order to make it in 39.18 seconds, which was unbeatable for his fellow riders.

“I am delighted with my horse” – the champion has declared after the class. He stated that the horse had the benefit of having two weeks off after the last competition, so it was fresh and also that he is looking forward for the rest of the season.

German Ludger Beerbaum riding Gotha and putting in a time of 40.04 seconds managed second place. “At first I underestimated Billy’s speed until I saw the clock” -he admitted, although he is really pleased with the result. Furthermore, he thanked the organization committee for trying their best under the weather circumstances.

In fact, Oxer Sport President, Carles Vilarrubí, declared that “the rain has been a new challenge for us, but we realized that the ground was still in good conditions to continue with the class”.

Dutch Maikel Van Der Vleuten and his partner Vdl Groep Verdi managed third place closing in 45.99 seconds. Handing over the awards were City Major Rita Barberá, Banco Sabadell Delegate Counselor, Jaume Guardiola, Global Champions Tour’s President, Jan Tops, and Oxer Sport’s President, Carles Vilarrubí.

After the class, Brazilian Álvaro de Miranda continues heading the GCT 201 ranking1, declaring his satisfaction for it. De Miranda, who did not do so well in the second round and therefore could not make it to the jump off, has admitted that his horse jumped very well, but it was him who made some mistakes.

Finally, Global Champions Tour’s President, Jan Tops, announced that it is going to be a very exciting season and that we will have great sport one more time.