“I was a bit afraid because [team manager] Eric [van der Vleuten] was putting a lot of pressure on me right after Maikel, so I’m really happy that round saved the victory.”

That was Victor Bettendorf, reflecting on the moments before he rode into the ring on Miami Beach after his Madrid in Motion teammate Maikel van der Vleuten. When the pressure peaked, Bettendorf delivered.

Madrid in Motion stormed to the win in the first leg of the 2026 Global Champions League season on Friday, posting the only clean sheet of the day on the oceanfront arena.

“We said we just needed two clears and then we’d be fine,” Bettendorf smirked.

“[Maikel and I] talked a bit about strategy—not to be too slow in case we had one down—and I think we did a perfect job today. All the riders were amazing, the horses as well, so thank you to the whole team. It’s great to be part of that adventure.”

Van der Vleuten and Jack Whitaker started the team off with a pair of flawless rounds aboard Quastor VD Heffinck and Izara des Dames, respectively, in Round 1. GCL debuted a revised format in 2026—featuring a punishing 1.60m first round and only the top 10 teams advancing.

In Round 2, van der Vleuten delivered a repeat clear on Beauville Z N.O.P. before Bettendorf sealed the deal with Atchoum de la Roque Z, leaving Madrid in Motion as the only team to finish without dropping a single rail.

“Today’s performance—I think we can be very proud of our riders, our horses, and all the people involved who helped us to this victory,” van der Vleuten said. “It’s a fantastic feeling to start the season with a win, and we’re very happy with that.”

Defending champions Valkenswaard United secured second place with double clears from Edwina Tops-Alexander on Fellow Castlefield and Cydello. Newcomers Cairo Pharos announced their arrival as serious contenders with a third-place finish in their debut GCL appearance.

The GCL now heads to Mexico City on April 17 for Stage 2 at Campo Marte.

Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares