Valkenswaard United have lost their overall lead in the Global Champions League after finishing fourth in their home leg on Saturday. With team member Bertram Allen concentrating on affairs in Dublin, Alberto Zorzi and Marcus Ehning represented Valkenswaard who finished fourth on the day, and have now dropped to second in the overall standings.

Hamburg Diamonds, won this latest round and have now opened up a lead at the top of the standings. Harrie Smolders and Jos Verlooy finished on a total of four faults, edging out Madrid In Motion. Madrid riders Leopold van Asten and Maikel van der Vleuten also finished on four faults but were three seconds slower in overall time. Both teams used different horsepower over the two days of competition.

Cascais Charms finished on twelve faults and took third over Valkenswaard by virtue of a much faster time.

With only two legs remain in this year’s championship, it seems only Hamburg and last year’s winners Valkenswaard have a realistic chance of outright success.

The next round takes place in Rome in September.

Global Champions League standings after round 13 Valkenswaard
(Irish squad members in brackets)

1. Hamburg Diamonds 265
2. Valkenswaard United (Bertram Allen) 257
3. Mexico Amigos 218
4. St. Tropez Pirates 214
5. Miami Glory (Denis Lynch; Cian O’Connor) 202.50
6. Doha Fursan Qatar 187
7. Rome Gladiators 182
8. London Knights 177
9. Shanghai Swans 176
10. Paris Panthers (Darragh Kenny) 172
11. Vienna Eagles 162
12. Madrid In Motion 160
13. Cannes Stars 157
14. Cascais Charms
15. Chantilly Pegasus 146
16. Monaco Aces 121
17. Berlin Lions 116
18. Moscow Bears 76.5