June 20, 2025 
“I can’t remember the last time I jumped around like a 10-year-old boy while celebrating watching the TV. I couldn’t be more proud of our team.”
That was owner Efe Siyahi after Istanbul Warriors claimed victory at the Global Champions Tour (GCL) Paris.
Represented by world number 3 Henrik von Eckermann, Olympian Abdel Saïd, and U25 rider Oliver Fletcher, the Warriors secured the win on 8 faults, edging out Valkenswaard United (Gilles Thomas and Marcus Ehning) by just 0.11 seconds. Prague Lions (Niels Bruynseels and Pieter Devos) took third, finishing two time faults behind.
The Warriors’ triumph was built on strategy and unity. Said explained, “We came to Paris having spoken together and with team owner Efe to make our plan. Teamwork… it’s all strategic.”
They advanced as one of four teams to finish on zero in Round 1, with clear efforts Fletcher (Hello William) and Saïd (Bonne Amie).
Saïd swapped horses for Round 2, tapping Quaker Brimbelles Z for the task, and took the whole wing of the Eiffel Tower fence out at number four. He managed to hold it together and finish on the four faults. A lightning fast round from von Eckermann and Minute Man put them just ahead of Valkenswaard United.
Fletcher called the win “truly inspirational”:
“When you see what these two have achieved in our sport, I am just a kid, to look at these two perform and bring it home and stand on top of the podium is just such an honor to be part of.”
Cannes Stars remain atop the GCL Leaderboard on 152 points, followed closely by Valkenswaard United (149). Shanghai Swans sit in third on 141 and Prague Lions a distant fourth in 118.
The top-four teams in the overall Championship get direct access to the GCL Super Cup semi-finals at the GC Prague Playoffs, every point counts.
Next up: Monaco (3–5 July 2025), the final showdown before the GCL transfer window opens. Expect drama as teams jockey for position.
