Strong national turnout at the CSI 1* of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid

The CSI 1* category of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid will bring together riders from up to 16 nationalities in Madrid, with a strong Spanish presence combining international experience, established talent, and some of the country’s most promising young riders.

Among the standout names is Ismael García Roque, the Canary Islands-born Olympic rider and two-time Spanish champion, who also delivered the best result for the Spanish team at the recent Paris Olympic Games. Also set to compete is Pello Elorduy, who will make his debut at the Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid after claiming victory in the 2024 LNS RFHE Silver and Gold League.

Spain’s new generation of show jumping talent will also take centre stage. One of the riders to watch is Javier Catalán Conde from Zaragoza, who at just 13 years old arrives in Madrid after winning the CSIO Children Grand Prix in Compiègne last weekend and following multiple Spanish pony championship titles. He will be joined by other talented 13-year-olds, including Basque rider Jesus Arrieta and Portuguese rider Teresa Catela.

Madrid will also be represented by top local talent. Luis Márquez Méndez heads into the event in excellent form after winning last weekend’s CSN4* Copa Comunidad de Madrid Grand Prix held at RACE. Alongside him will compete young Madrid-based rider Lucía Fernández Hidalgo, runner-up in the 2024 Spanish Junior 1* Championship.

The Spanish line-up is further strengthened by notable names such as María Giralt, last year’s Spanish champion in the 1.30 m category, and siblings Juan Riva and Leticia Riva. Juan was crowned Spanish Junior Champion in 2021 and finished runner-up in the Young Riders category last season, while Leticia already boasts three national titles to her name.

The list of Spanish participants also includes María Gil, José Díaz Vecino, Carmen García Torres, Noelia Bayarri, Valentina Albanell and Sofía Castellanos, among others.

Tomorrow, all horses competing in both the CSI 1* and CSI 5* categories will undergo the veterinary inspection process, ensuring they are in optimal condition for competition and safeguarding their welfare.

Tickets are already available from €17 at tickets.oxersport.com and will also be available at the venue during the event.

Fans unable to attend in person will still be able to follow all the action through the official broadcast channels: the CSI 1* on ClipMyHorse.TV and the CSI 5* on GCTV.