Top amateur riders hit the track to BMW Motorrad SA’s GS Trophy 2022 Qualifier in Amersfoort
There is little doubt that South Africa is home to some of the best off-road riders in the world, as evidenced by victory in three successive International GS Trophies – 2020, 2018 and 2016 – and two second place finishes.
This weekend, top amateur GS riders will head to Amersfoort in Mpumalanga to battle for a chance to represent Team South Africa in the International GS Trophy to be hosted in Albania in 2022.
Thirty-one riders will from September 9 to 12 encamp to the sprawling 600-hectare Country TRAX Enduro Park, outside Amersfoort. There, on a mix of sand tracks, water passages, rocky terrain and gravel tracks, the riders will be put through their paces in a range of challenges to test their riding prowess, fitness, navigation and technical expertise. Country TRAX is an official training partner of BMW Motorrad South Africa and will facilitate the GS Trophy 2022 Qualifier South Africa. The Country TRAX team has been core to the International GS Trophy contest since 2010, and its experience is a boon for the seven women and 24 men who have successfully progressed through the eight regional qualifiers hosted this year.
Competitors will compete in various exercises designed in collaboration with the International GS Trophy organisers to challenge the riders in a safe and fair environment. After the first day of exercises, up to 20 riders will progress to Saturday’s testing rounds. The final scores will be announced at the finale on Saturday evening where the three men and two women to represent Team South Africa and the #SpiritofGS in Albania in 2022 will be declared.
Penny Sterley, Head of BMW Motorrad South Africa, says:
“The GS Trophy is traditionally a highlight on our GS owners’ calendars. Despite the challenges presented by a global pandemic, this year’s GS Trophy will nevertheless have all the elements to Make Life a Ride!
I wish all participants in the GS Trophy 2022 Qualifier South Africa the very best of luck. South Africa has built a reputation as the team to beat, and we are determined to make history with an unprecedented fourth successive win in Albania next year,”
Sterley concluded.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s event will be hosted in a sealed environment where all marshals, instructors, suppliers, staff and participants will be party to safety protocols in line with the current national regulations. And while the course will be devoid of supporters, those cheering on their favourite riders can follow their progress with real-time updates on BMW Motorrad South Africa’s social media accounts, using the hashtag #SpiritofGS
