Already victorious on Friday in the League, Piergiorgio Bucci did it again on Sunday in the 5 stars Longines Global Champions Grand Prix of Mexico.Riding Pallieter vd N.Ranch in metronomic style, the Italian delivered a flawless weekend and sent a clear message: he will be a force to reckon with this season. Seriously.
A double blow for the competition
Mexico: altitude, electric atmosphere… and an Italian who doesn’t flinch. Bucci produced a masterful double clear in this 5* Grand Prix of the Longines Global Champions Tour, adding another milestone to an already strong start to his season.
On Friday, he had claimed victory in the Global Champions League with the St Tropez Pirates. On Sunday, he backed it up, and not against just anyone.
With Pallieter vd N.Ranch, Bucci delivered a jump-off defined by control. Not necessarily the fastest on paper, but the most precise. And above all, the smartest.
« It’s incredible. I felt like I was going slowly… but he creates space, he anticipates everything. He makes my life so easy. He’s a real superstar. » said the Italian rider.
The tone was set. The horse did the rest.
Pallieter: brain and engine
n a jump-off where every stride counts, Pallieter vd N.Ranch showcased exceptional intelligence. Millimetre-perfect adjustments, clean lines, effortless acceleration, the horse dictated the tempo.
Bucci himself seemed almost surprised:
« Honestly, I thought I was slow. I had to hold back on certain lines… and when I saw I was in the lead, it felt like the complete opposite of the day before. »
In other words: the clock matters, but sometimes, feel matters more.
Eckermann confirms, Delestre delivers again
Behind him, the competition was fierce.
Katrin Eckermann, winner of the Miami Grand Prix two weeks ago, continues her outstanding run. Second in Mexico, the German confirms she is the rider to beat right now.
Simon Delestre, meanwhile, keeps stacking podiums. Third with Golden Boy DK, the Frenchman underlines his consistency at the highest level after finishing second in the League and third in Saturday’s main class with Olga van de Kruishoeve.
Guéry leads the Belgian charge
On the Belgian side, Jérôme Guéry delivered the best result, finishing ninth (0–4) aboard Qartouche de la Pomme d’Or. A solid performance in a highly competitive Grand Prix, and notably his best result at this level with a horse he has been riding for less than a year.
His season is already moving at full speed.
In the overall standings, Eckermann leads the way, holding a slim two-point advantage over a fast-rising Bucci, who now looks unstoppable. Jack Whitaker sits in third, while Guéry climbs to sixth.
The Cherry on Top: this victory also earns Piergiorgio Bucci a coveted ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix.
« “I’ve never had this opportunity before. I’m truly very happy and excited. I’ll do my best there as well. »
With this kind of momentum, it’s easy to believe.
Mexico: a crowd on fire
Impossible not to mention the atmosphere. In Mexico, the crowd plays its part.
« It’s one of the best crowds in the world. You can feel they support every rider. Muchas gracias to everyone. » added the winner.
Packed stands, top sport, pure spectacle, and Bucci conducting it all.
Find the full results of the Mexico LGCT Grand Prix here.
(Photos ©LGCT/Ljuba Buzzola)
