A clamp assembly comprising: a first annular clamp having an opening at at least one end of its axial length for inserting therein a pipe, said first annular clamp comprising two clamp members (16, 18); a first sealing ring (20, 22) operative to contact an outer contour of the pipe; and a first fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members (16, 18) towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on said first sealing ring (20, 22) so that said first annular clamp clamps the pipe; and a second annular clamp having an opening axially adjacent said opening of said first annular clamp for inserting therein the pipe, said second annular clamp comprising two clamp members (38, 40) axially adjacent said clamp members (16, 18) of said first annular clamp; a second sealing ring operative to contact the outer contour of the pipe; and a second fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members (38, 40) towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on said second sealing ring so that said second annular clamp clamps the pipe; characterised by comprising a bridge element that presses against at least one of said sealing rings (20, 22, 44) when tightening said first annular clamp, wherein said bridge element comprises a curved band, from which generally perpendicularly extends a side wall, said side wall comprising a plurality of notches formed therein that provide flexibility to the lower part of said bridge element, and wherein said curved band comprises a stiffening flange, formed by bending a portion of said curved band in a direction opposed to said side wall, wherein said side wall is directed generally radially inwards and said stiffening flange is directed slightly outwards and said stiffening flange increases stiffness and rigidity of the upper portion of said bridge element. a first annular clamp having an opening at at least one end of its axial length for inserting therein a pipe, said first annular clamp comprising two clamp members (16, 18); a first sealing ring (20, 22) operative to contact an outer contour of the pipe; and a first fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members (16, 18) towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on said first sealing ring (20, 22) so that said first annular clamp clamps the pipe; and a second annular clamp having an opening axially adjacent said opening of said first annular clamp for inserting therein the pipe, said second annular clamp comprising two clamp members (38, 40) axially adjacent said clamp members (16, 18) of said first annular clamp; a second sealing ring operative to contact the outer contour of the pipe; and a second fastener, comprising a shank, operative to fasten said clamp members (38, 40) towards each other in a direction along said shank transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on said second sealing ring so that said second annular clamp clamps the pipe; characterised by comprising a bridge element that presses against at least one of said sealing rings (20, 22, 44) when tightening said first annular clamp, wherein said bridge element comprises a curved band, from which generally perpendicularly extends a side wall, said side wall comprising a plurality of notches formed therein that provide flexibility to the lower part of said bridge element, and wherein said curved band comprises a stiffening flange, formed by bending a portion of said curved band in a direction opposed to said side wall, wherein said side wall is directed generally radially inwards and said stiffening flange is directed slightly outwards and said stiffening flange increases stiffness and rigidity of the upper portion of said bridge element.