IN the perfect Rio prelude, victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Valkenswaard went to Brazil-bound Rolf-Göran Bengtsson of Sweden with the brilliant 17-year-old stallion Casall ASK. The overall LGCT rankings have taken a dramatic turn, with the Swedish rider now sitting in second place.

No fewer than 23 Olympic-bound riders were in action over the course last weekend at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard, and crowds flocked to the Tops International Arena to cheer on the riders before they flew directly to Brazil.