The Stage is Set! Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat Unveils a Strong Long List for His Riders Europe Team Heading into Second Riders Masters Cup Hosted by the Longines Masters of New York!

The stage is set for an epic duel between Riders USA and Riders Europe as top-tier long lists for both teams have now been revealed. Riders Europe Chef d’Equipe Philippe Guerdat, who coached the French to a team gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, has named three of the current top five world-ranked riders to lead his team in hopes of defending the first leg victory in December at the Longines Masters of Paris.

They’ll go up against a Riders USA group stocked with Olympic team gold medalists on the long list like McLain Ward, Beezie Madden and Laura Kraut. It’ll be a battle for the ages when the Riders Masters Cup, created by EEM and presented by EEF and Founding Partner Longines, comes to New York on April 28, 2018, at NYCB LIVE, Home of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

A Strong Riders Europe Long List

Riders Europe logged a thrilling win in the first Riders Masters Cup leg in Paris and in order to defend that title, Guerdat can choose from a squad that includes World No. 2 Harrie Smolders (NED), World No. 4 Kevin Staut (FRA) and World No. 5 Peder Fredricson (SWE).

Also, on the long list are an on-form Patrice Delaveau (FRA), who topped the Longines Grand Prix in Hong Kong in February, top Belgian rider Gregory Wathelet (currently ranked #17), Philippe Rozier (FRA), and Jérôme Guery (BEL). Guerdat will have to choose from those veterans for four of his five team spots, but he’ll also have to include one under-25 rider. For Riders Europe, Guerdat can pick either Edward Levy (FRA) or Olivier Philippaerts (BEL), both impressive winners despite their young age.

Guerdat will call on all the formidable talent of these riders to help Riders Europe defend the win they earned in Paris during the first edition of the Riders Masters Cup and the action is sure to keep the crowd keen to see what happens next. Speed is key in both rounds of the Riders Masters Cup, so you won’t want to miss the world’s best going head to head in an exhilarating transatlantic race to glory.

The final teams and the official draw for the order-of-go will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018, during the press preview on opening day of the Longines Masters of New York!

Make sure to follow the Riders Masters Cup Facebook page and tune into www.RidersMastersCup.com for updates in the days to come! Don’t forget to share the love for Riders Masters Cup and the team you support on social media with the hashtags #WaveYourFlag and #RidersMastersCup.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. For full information on the event, please visit www.LonginesMasters.com.

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High-resolution images and videos available for use: https://sunshinesachs.egnyte.com/fl/jbx3Wc5wMC

ABOUT EEM 
Christophe Ameeuw, founder and President of EEM, is passionate about equestrianism and created the Ecuries d’Ecaussinnes in 1997. The Belgian-based stables enjoy an international reputation in the sport horse and top of the range breeding businesses as well as boasting an excellent teaching academy. Organizing equestrian events soon became the next obvious step, and Christophe Ameeuw and his teams set themselves the challenge of reinventing show jumping. EEM set up its main office at Ecaussinnes where everything first began, and the development of the “Masters” concept that brings together the best of showjumping, showmanship and lifestyle in one venue is a sign of the company’s continued growth. 

Following the success of the Audi Masters in Brussels, the Gucci Masters in Paris and inspired by tennis’s Grand Slam, EEM set out to conquer new continents with the creation of the Longines Masters international series. This “Grand Slam of Indoor Show jumping" over three continents in Paris, Hong Kong and New York is now one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. In 2017, EEM added a new emblematic competition to its other prestigious events. Presented in partnership with the EEF (European Equestrian Federation), it is a battle between the two great birthplaces of show jumping, Europe and the United States. Information about  www.eemworld.com 
 
ABOUT THE EEF 
The European Equestrian Foundation (EEF) was founded in February 2010. As a young and modern organization, the EEF strives to promote the values of equestrianism, educate its members and works closely with all the independent organizations to maximize the sport’s potential in Europe. As most of the major equestrian events take place in Europe, the EEF embodies the highest level of expertise and experience in the equestrian sector. 
Information :  www.euroequestrian.eu