Edwina Tops-Alexander currently holds a 13-point lead in the Global Champions Tour ©Getty Images

The Global Champions Tour (GCT) heads to the Italian capital Rome tomorrow, with Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander looking to defend her lead at the Circus Maximus.

Eight out of the top 10 riders are set to feature in Rome at the event, which is due to be held from tomorrow until Sunday (September 12).

Tops-Alexander is looking to be crowned GCT overall champion for the third time, and currently holds a 13-point lead at the top of the standings.

The Australian has 214 points, while her nearest rival Olivier Robert of France has 201.

Austria’s Max Kühner is currently third with 194 but is not competing in Rome, providing an opportunity for several riders to move into a podium position.

Olympic gold medallist in the team event Peder Fredricson is one of several riders who can move above the absent Max Kühner into the season's top three in Rome ©Getty Images
Olympic gold medallist in the team event Peder Fredricson is one of several riders who can move above the absent Max Kühner into the season's top three in Rome ©Getty Images

Olympic champion in the team jumping event Peder Fredricson of Sweden is fourth on 189 points, while Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya is a point further behind and British rider Ben Maher, the Olympic individual jumping champion, also within striking distance of the top three on 182.

Alberto Zorzi is the highest-ranked Italian to be featuring in Rome, sitting 10th in the season’s standings with 146 points.

He is one of six riders representing the hosts, with Emanuele Gaudiano another firm home favourite.

This event is free to the public, and the first of two to be held in Rome in quick succession on the GCT, with the Circus Maximus, situated beneath Palatine Hill, also the venue for an event running from September 16 to 18.

Šamorín in Slovenia will then host two events in October, before the GCT Super Grand Prix is staged in the Czech capital Prague from November 18 to 21.