The bi-annual BMW Motorrad GS Trophy, which has rather become South African property in recent years, with four consecutive overall victories in the men’s class and an overall victory in the women’s class in 2022, will return to Africa in 2024, Namibia having been announced as the venue for the eighth running of the event.
Leading up to 2024 will be 15 national qualifying rounds and one international qualifying round, to choose the 22 teams that will compete. Of the 22 teams, six will be all-female teams.
By choosing Namibia, the event organisers have sought to offer conditions as different to those encountered in Albania in 2022 as possible. Dr Ralf Rodepeter, Head of Brand Management BMW Motorrad, explained: “After Tunisia, South Africa, Patagonia, Canada, Thailand, Mongolia, New Zealand and most recently Albania, BMW Motorrad was again on the look-out for perfect GS terrain – and found it in the beautiful country of Namibia. Countless off-road kilometres with challenging route profiles passing through marvellous landscapes with fascinating flora and fauna once again ensure an exciting GS Trophy.”
The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy is an event that celebrates the spirit of the BMW Motorrad GS models. Namibia 2024 will be the ninth edition of the event. Previous editions were held in South Eastern Europe (Albania) in 2022, Oceania (New Zealand) in 2020, Central Asia (Mongolia) in 2018, Southeast Asia (Thailand) in 2016, North America (Canada) in 2014, South America (Chile, Argentina) in 2012, South Africa (South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique) in 2010 and North Africa (Tunisia) in 2008.
The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy is not a race: it is a team competition in which an international contingent of off-road enthusiasts compete against each other in various special tests. Not all of these involve just motorcycling: skills and teamwork are essential, too. Since competitors are together for a lot of the time, also spending the night in bivouacs, this is an adventure that promotes a sense of togetherness, too. People, cultures and motorcyclists from all over the world come together, and it is not uncommon for friendships to be made for life.
Based on the experience of past GS Trophy events, the most successful teams are ultimately those that demonstrate solid preparation, excellent teamwork and riding ability, while at the same time having a lot of fun and experiencing wonderful international camaraderie.
