Cannes Stars Powered by Iron Dames Triumph in Spectacular debut at Global Champions League

Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames made a dream debut yesterday in the first round of the Global Champions League in Doha, Qatar. The all-female team composed by Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann, Sanne Thijssen and Sophie Hinners bring home the first victory of the season after 2 thrilling rounds.

The inaugural stage of the 2024 GCL season ignited the sands of Doha as the Cannes Stars, powered by Iron Dames, triumphed under the lights in the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. This historic victory not only marks their dominance in the team series but makes history as the first all-female team of six riders to lead the championship race setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.In a thrilling showdown, the Cannes Stars propelled to victory, led by the stellar performances of Sophie Hinners aboard Iron Dames Singclair, Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann with Messi van ‘t Ruytershof, and Sanne Thijssen riding Con Quidam RB. The squad’s impeccable form led them to finish with just four faults after two rounds, clinching the win with a breathtakingly quick performance, two seconds ahead of their closest competitors, Mexico Amigos.

It is an amazing start for the Iron Dames in the world of showjumping. After the continued success in motorsport, the project aiming to support and promote women in mixed sports now settles well in the equestrian sports. With this victory the all-female team shows that dreams can come true with hard work, passion and dedication. The project’s mission is to inspire young athletes to develop, break through barriers and reach the top level. The next round for the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames will be from the 4th to the 6th of April in Miami. The small arena, right by the beach, will bring a lot of challenges to all riders as they will have to conquer two difficult and technical build courses. Fuelled by this first victory, the pink squad is looking forward to the second leg of the GCL defending their first place in the championship. 

Today, 2nd March, the Iron Dames riders join the Iron Dames racing drivers at Lusail International Circuit in Doha to support them during their first race of the season in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The magenta car with #85 will take on a race with a total distance of 1812 km. Jan Tops from the Longines Global Champions Tour also joined to wish the best of luck to Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting & Doriane Pin.

DEBORAH MAYER, IRON DAMES PROJECT FOUNDER:“As the founder of the Iron Dames project, I am incredibly proud and honored to see our team, Cannes Stars Powers by Iron Dames, clinch the first round of the 2024 Global Champions League, the pinnacle of equestrianism. Being the first all-female team to compete in this prestigious championship makes this achievement even more moving and meaningful. This result is not just about winning; it’s a celebration of the values that each Iron Dame embodies: passion, determination and excellence.  I congratulate Janne, Sophie, Sanne and all the team on their success from the bottom of my heart. It’s a truly emotional and historic moment for our project and for the equestrian sport as a whole.”

JANNE FRIEDERIKE MEYER-ZIMMERMANN:“I am lost for words. We are just so happy. It was great teamwork, everyone gave it their all. We have a huge team around us, who support us every step of the way and this helps us achieve the results we aim for. This weekend there is also the race for the drivers so now we can also give our support to them.”

SOPHIE HINNERS:“Iron Dames Singclair has been in great form lately. Last week was his first 5* show, so I am thrilled with his result and really looking forward to the rest of the season. I want to thank Deborah Mayer for securing him for me and letting me compete him at the highest level.”

SANNE THIJSSEN:“This weekend is the first time for us competing as a team together for the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames. The team is unbelievablely motivated. We support and push eachother to the limit and that’s how we get this result. I had a good feeling already yesterday with Con Quidam and today we gave it our all. I am looking forward to the following competitions together with the other Iron Dames.”

Maxine Van Molecot Press Release Maxine Van Molecot Press release Iron Dames, photos (c) Iron Dames