The true launch of the 2026 Global Champions Tour didn’t take place where it was expected. Exit Doha, initially planned as the venue but abruptly halted due to military tensions in the region. Instead, the season finally kicked off on the warm sands of Miami Beach. And in this postcard-perfect setting, there was only one queen: Katrin Eckermann. The German rider claimed her third title here, after 2022 and 2023, already placing a firm hand on the championship.
A return after a year’s absence, the circuit’s 20th anniversary, 55 riders at the start… and an arena wedged between VIP stands and the waves of the Atlantic.
An opening that smells of hot sand and a serious showdown.
Eckermann, self-proclaimed (and undisputed) queen
In Miami Beach, some build sandcastles. Katrin Eckermann builds trophy stacks. Katrin Eckermann, builds trophy stacks.
Already a two-time winner here, the German did it again with Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS (Diarado's Boy x Chacco Blue), in precise style. The result: a third title that leaves no room for debate—Miami Beach is her kingdom.
« Welcome to Miami! I’m incredibly proud of her, she jumped amazingly. »
No calculations. Just feeling and total trust in her mare. And it shows.
A tricky course, no room for half-measures
Course designer Peter Grant had prepared a spicy menu:
tight lines, delicate obstacles, a rhythm that shatters dreams.
Out of 37 starters, only 13 found the key.
Dès le début, le ton est donné : ici, ce n’est pas la vitesse qui fait la loi, c’est la précision.
Top riders fell, rails flew. Miami delivered the blows.
A tense jump-off, Eckermann crushes the field
The jump-off started at full throttle. Some tried, many burned out.
Some tried, many burned out.
- Maikel van der Vleuten set an initial solid time (46.85)
- Piergiorgio Bucci refined it further (46.06)
- Then Eckermann entered the arena.
And that was it.
44.15 seconds.
Two seconds ahead.
A masterclass.
Flat-out lines, no unnecessary movement, millimeter-perfect riding—the kind of round that makes others look like novices.
Bucci summed it up bluntly:
« Katrin was just incredible today. »
Whitaker confirms, outsiders hang on
Behind her, the battle was on just to stay relevant.
Jack Whitaker, on his first LGCT podium, delivered a bold jump-off with Izara des Dames (Emerald x Calvaro FC) to take second place (45.68).
Piergiorgio Bucci completed the podium after a super clean round with Pallieter vd N. Ranch (Cornet Obolenski x Toulon).
But no one would catch her.
Even the last riders to go didn’t really believe anymore, and they were right.
Already leading, already on a roll
With this victory, Eckermann takes 40 points and moves to the top of the overall standings.
Not bad for a “shifted” season opener.
The circuit now moves on: next stop, Mexico City (April 16–19).
And one question is already in the air: is the Queen of Miami on her way to a golden season?
Find les résultats complets du Grand Prix du LGCT de Miami ici
(Photos ©LGCT/Ljuba Buzzola)