Valkenswaard United Announces Star-Studded Team Lineup for the 2024 GCL Series
In a crescendo of anticipation, Valkenswaard United have catapulted onto the scene as the latest powerhouse in the GCL team series to announce their 2024 squad. The launch of Valkenswaard United is nothing short of a spectacle with just one single change.
Valkenswaard United, renowned as one of the most successful teams in the history of the GCL team series, is thrilled to unveil its star-studded lineup for the 2024 campaign. The team, backed by sponsors and titans of the equestrian industry Magic Millionsand Stal Tops, is set to showcase a formidable combination of experience and emerging talent.
The team’s consistent success in the GCL is highlighted by their championship-winning performances in 2016 and 2021, and they are poised for another exhilarating season with an impressive roster of world-class riders.Returning to the Valkenswaard United lineup are:
- Edwina Tops-Alexander (AUS): A key figure on the championship-winning team in 2021, Tops-Alexander brings a wealth of experience and a winning mindset to the squad.
- John Whitaker (GBR): Widely regarded as one of the biggest legends in the sport, Whitaker continues to anchor the team with his exceptional skills and leadership.
- Marcus Ehning (GER): A long-standing member of Valkenswaard United, Ehning’s inclusion in the lineup ensures a formidable display of horsepower and skill.
- Oliver Lazarus (RSA): Back for his second year with Valkenswaard United, Lazarus is set to build on the successes of the previous season and contribute to the team’s quest for glory.
- Gilles Thomas (BEL): Transitioning from the U25 category, Thomas steps into the role of a senior rider, a testament to the trust and confidence Valkenswaard United places in his abilities.
In addition to the seasoned riders, Valkenswaard United welcomes new talent to the squad:
- Jack Ryan (IRL): Making his debut in the GCL series as an U25 rider, Ryan brings a fresh perspective and promising talent to the team.
Giving exclusive insight into Valkenswaard United’s team strategy for the first event year Edwina said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Valkenswaard United team for the fourth year. We have a very strong team of riders this year and we will be kicking the season off with myself, John, and Marcus in Doha.”
Gilles Thomas explained his thoughts for the year ahead: “I am honored to have been selected for the 2024 Valkenswaard United team. This will be my first year not as a U25 so it’s exciting that Valkenswaard United have me back! Looking forward to another successful year with the team.”As the team makes only one change to its lineup this year, it underscores the immense talent and cohesion within Valkenswaard United. Fans can look forward to thrilling performances and fierce competition as the team aims to add another chapter to its storied legacy in the GCL.
Valkenswaard United’s formidable squad stands as a testament to the relentless dedication of team managers who, over the winter, have orchestrated a symphony of strategic contract signings, assembling a powerhouse of talent and precision.
As the adrenaline-fueled excitement builds around Valkenswaard United, the equestrian community eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the next team, already poised to make waves in the show jumping circuit. Stay tuned for the forthcoming announcement, as GCL continues to unveil a lineup of world-class teams, each vying to etch their name in the annals of equestrian greatness.
The pulse of competition quickens, and the stage is set for a season of unparalleled thrills and triumphs.
Press release GCL 2024
