NEW YORK EMPIRE STORM TO GCL VICTORY IN ROME
The New York Empire powered by Lugano produced a flawless zero-fault performance to win the Global Champions League (GCL) of Rome. Irish riders Denis Lynch, Michael Pender, and Bertram Allen logged four clear rounds to seal the top spot on the podium.
Despite the team’s win, Championship leaders Riesenbeck International took a massive step toward the 2026 title by finishing second with just four total faults. With two stages remaining, Riesenbeck holds a commanding 45-point lead over second-place Istanbul Warriors, who finished third in Rome.
GCL Championship standings (after stage 13 - Rome):
- Riesenbeck International – 267 pts
- Istanbul Warriors – 222 pts
- New York Empire – 215 pts
- Basel Cosmopolitans – 203 pts
- Prague Lions – 195 pts
What Cairo (stage 14, Oct 22–24) means for the Championship:
Since Cairo serves as the first title-clinching "match point" stage of the 2026 season, a 6th-place finish for Riesenbeck guarantees the team the 2026 GCL Championship title, regardless of how other teams perform.
Must-win for those chasing:
The Istanbul Warriors and New York Empire must get top podium finishes in Cairo and rely on Riesenbeck getting placed in 7th or lower to keep the Championship fight alive heading into the big finale in Rabat.
The fight for second spot:
Separated by just 7 points, the Istanbul Warriors and New York Empire will also be in a direct head-to-head battle for overall runner-up position.
--ENDS--
Edited by HT. Full release here
Photo of Denis Lynch and Mikey Pender by LGCT
Full results here