June 21, 2024 
If there is an optimal time to make a move in a team standings race, a mid-season blind side is a solid strategy.
Especially if you’re an underdog.
And even if it wasn’t so much a strategy as the stars aligning.
Such was the case for the Doha Falcons. After seven legs in the Global Champions League season, the Doha Falcons were firmly in the middle of the pack—and they weren’t exactly showing signs of moving up the leaderboard.
They hadn’t won a GCL since Samorin in 2021 and have only landed one podium this season, a third place finish in Shanghai.
“The team has been a bit unlucky all year,” said teammate Michael Pender. “But we have a good team and have been going well in general… just knocking on the door.”
That all changed in the city of lights.
Doha Falcons, represented by Julien Anquetin, Jérôme Guery and Pender, stormed to victory in the GCL of Paris, leading from start to finish in Friday’s team class.
Guery and Great Britain V started the team on four faults in round one while Anquetin and Z Ice Cube Z delivered a clear, tying the team with the über-consistent Cannes Stars.
In round two, tactics came into play. Following discussions amongst the team and the team manager, Guery returned with Careca LS Elite and delivered a clear. With two rails in hand ahead of Stockholm Hearts and the Philippaerts twins, Pender and HHS Calais added five to the scoreboard to put the team on a total of nine and clinch the win.
“We saw with round one how it was a lot more delicate, particularly with the plank, which is the fence I had down,” said Guery.
“And when I went for the second round, I saw a few clear before me. But my horse jumps amazing and I just tried to have a clear round, not too fast to give a little bit [of a chance] for Mikey to finish the job.”
Championship leaders Stockholm Hearts finsihes second, extending their lead over Cannes Stars by five points (162 vs 157) on the season standings.
But the biggest move up the leaderboard came from the Doha Falcons, flying from seventh into third. It’s a trend they hope to maintain in the second half of the season.
“Hopefully now, [we have] a bit more luck,” said Pender. “We had a bit of luck today, so hopefully we can continue it on and keep going from here.“
With the GCL officially at the half way point, stay tuned for midseason transfers ahead of leg nine in Stockholm, June 28–30.
