Olivier can look back on a remarkable weekend in London. On Sunday, he secured a second-place finish with H&M Miro in the Longines Global Champions Tour. On Saturday, Olivier and Le Blue Diamond van ’t Ruytershof clinched victory in the team competition, marking the second win of the season for Olivier Philippaerts and his team, Stockholm Hearts. In the individual competition, Olivier continues to chase his first win. Just like last year, he finished second in the GP of London.
The eleventh leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour and the Longines Global Champions League took place in London. Olivier Philippaerts and Peder Fredricson represented the Stockholm Hearts. In the first round, Olivier remained faultless with Le Blue Diamond van ’t Ruytershof. He also completed the second round flawlessly with H&M Miro. Teammate Fredricson had one rail down in the second round. "After the quite demanding competition in Aken, I decided to give H&M Miro the necessary rest, which allowed him to start fresh," Olivier begins his analysis. "Le Blue Diamond van ’t Ruytershof stayed clear in the first round. H&M Miro took charge of the second round and performed exceptionally well. The feeling was right from the start. Despite that one fence from Peder, his quick time led us to victory in the team competition in London, after our win in Stockholm." The Stockholm Hearts are now fourth in the standings after eleven legs.
Sunday afternoon was reserved for the Grand Prix. Once again, Olivier and H&M Miro remained faultless during the basic course. In a jump-off with ten riders, the Limburg combination remained clear, but Jessica Springsteen was slightly faster by a fraction of a second (0.89 sec), clinching the overall victory. Just like last year, Olivier finished second in the Longines Global Champions Tour of London. "I'm somewhat torn between two thoughts. Of course, I'm incredibly pleased with all those faultless rounds from the past weekend, resulting in a team victory and a second place in the GP. But that first GP win in the Global Tour is still pending, and I think it's about time," says Olivier Philippaerts. "Whatever the case may be, I'll keep chasing it. The motivation and hunger to win have only intensified." London marked Olivier's first podium of the year in the individual competition. In June, he just missed the stage when he finished fourth in Saint-Tropez. In the individual standings, Olivier holds the tenth position after eleven legs.
