As Edwina took her first steps into the arena at the
LGCT Miami Beach on Saturday afternoon, there was a big question floating in the air; could she make this her third Grand Prix win in Miami?
Photo Ashley Neuhof & Stefano GrassoEdwina had already claimed the 5* Grand Prix title in Miami on two previous occasions, in 2016, and 2018. Alas, it wasn’t quite meant to be, although it was incredibly close - with only one pole down standing in the way of their triumphant trifecta.
Edwina and California stormed into the first round with gusto and were the first pair to go into the jump-off of eight riders. But even with a heart of gold and a partnership to rival all others, California tipped one back rail and brought it tumbling to the ground. Despite this bad luck tacking on four faults, the dynamic pair were still proud to walk away with a time of 37.38 seconds, on par with the ultimate champion of the event, Pieter Devos (BE). Just behind Pieter, Harrie Smolders (NED), finished in second place, and Malin Baryard-Johnsson (SWE) ranked third; the only three riders to stay clear in a
demanding jump-off. Edwina says:
"After a very bad fall in the paddock on Thursday with California, I wasn't even sure if any of us would be fit to compete in the Grand Prix on Saturday, but we pulled through, and California almost did it again. She's incredible. "
In the wake of this event, Edwina sits in 5th place in the
overall LGCT rankings. READ MORE St Tropez Pirates finish as runners-upOn the same day as the Grand Prix, the GCL Team
St Tropez Pirates, consisting of the five exceptional riders Pieter Devos, Athina Onassis, Laura Klaphake, Olivier Robert, Lucia Le Jeune Vizzini in addition to Edwina Tops-Alexander, finished as runners-up in the Global Champions League of Miami, a feat which also leaves them in
second place overall.READ MORE