Despite a dazzling win for Valkenswaard United in the Global Champions League of Doha, Qatar, their nearest rivals Hamburg Diamonds had done just enough by finishing fifth to strike gold in the race for overall championship.
Some intrepid riding from the Mexico Amigos helped them secure the final spot on the GCL podium in third.
League winners for 2017, Hamburg Diamonds collected a whopping €2m with Valkenswaard United taking runner-up spot and a cheque of €1,350,000.
“We gave some hope to United, but at least we finished well,” said Harrie Smolders of the Hamburg Diamonds, who has secured an unprecedented double as the star Dutch rider is also the winner of the 2017 Global Champions Tour series.
His team-mate Eric Lamaze, riding with a rib injury, added: “We wanted to win this — Harrie has done so many clears for the team so it was my turn to help today.”
Hamburg Diamonds’ other key players this season have been John Whitaker, Piergiorgio Bucci and Jos Verlooy.
Valkenswaard United, who took the title in the inaugural GCL last year, were represented by Bertram Allen (Molly Malone) and Alberto Zorzi (Fair Light van’t Heike) in this glittering final and both produced measured double clears to soar clear of a high class field of 18 teams.
“We came here knowing we had to win here today, and unfortunately it wasn’t enough to win the League, but we gave it a good shot all year,” said Bertram. “We’ve had plenty of ups and downs but at least we finished on a really great note.”
