Lausanne, Switzerland - Fifty top riders from 22 nations will be competing for victory at GCT’s debut event in Switzerland this weekend - with plenty of surprises on the social side and a focus on delivering an eco-friendly event.

The Global Champions Tour Grand Prix will kick off from 1800 on Saturday as the best in the world compete for a share of the €285,000 prize money and for a chance to win points to move up the ranking board as the championship heads for its climax in two months’ time.

A big contingent of riders from countries across Europe will descend on Lausanne from today and from the United States of America, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Home rider Steve Guerdat, who won individual gold at the Olympic Games in London last month, is expected to receive a hero’s welcome from his Swiss countrymen at the GCT Lausanne. There will also be three spectacular evening shows from the famous Cadre Noir de Saumur displaying an exceptional level of classical and sporting horsemanship.

Jaeger-LeCoultre will be the principal sponsor of the prestigious event in Lausanne and will host a series of stylish events at the show. The luxury Swiss watchmaker was established nearby in Le Sentier around 180 years ago and has consistently maintained a strong relationship with equestrian sports like show jumping and polo. Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO Jérôme Lambert said it was completely natural for the company to agree to become principal partner of the GCT in Lausanne. Mr Lambert said: “Lausanne’s exceptional setting  and the shores of Lac Leman as well as the excellence of the riders all make, without doubt, this stage of the Global Champions Tour a unique stage.”

The event in Lausanne will also place special emphasis on going green with a focus on minimising the impact of the show on the environment, a move strongly supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre and other sponsors.