BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Southeast Asia 2016, Day 7. Team South Africa crowned 2016 GS Trophy champions!

The trio of John Harris, Byron Coetsee and Charl Moolman had led
the competition since day two and although they were pushed hard by
both Team Germany and Team UK until the very last Special on the
final day, they kept their cool under considerable pressure and in
so doing, took the Trophy home to South Africa for the first time.
In a historical first for the GS Trophy, two teams were tied for
second place – Team Germany and Team UK.

But when the day started, there was still everything to play
for, with only 19 points separating the top three. And with double
points on offer for the final Special, there was hope for all teams
as the opening Special began. It came just 20 kilometres out from
the starting point in Chae Son and was entitled ‘Twisted Turn’. In
essence it was a team exercise to clear a series of ever tightening
turns on a two-tiered course, with the usual penalty points for feet
touching the ground or dropping the bike. It was inspiring to watch
the slow-speed control and balance of certain riders, especially the
female trio who showed fantastic skills and technique in this
exercise. Team Brazil were, however, the winners of this Special.

There were many more highlights to follow, with a wonderfully
flowing section through a pine forest high in the mountains followed
by an extended and sinuous mountain-descent on tarmac to clearly
demonstrate the versatility of the
BMW R 1200 GS. Then
followed a rendezvous at km 126 with around 100 riders from
Thailand, Malaysia and China, who had travelled in on their BMW
bikes to support the GS Trophy. For the final 50 kilometres ride-in
to the Rim Doi Resort in Chiang Dao, these enthusiastic, friendly
riders joined the Trophy teams and marshals, and helped form a huge
convoy that snaked its way to the location for the final Special
test of 2016.

It took place at a neighbouring motocross training track, much
to the delight of the teams, who made it their business to show
exactly how a big adventure bike like the BMW GS can be hustled
around a tight, twisty track with a skilled rider at the controls.
With crowds of enthusiasts lining the circuit and cheering the teams
all the way from their Le Mans-style starts through bumps, turns and
whoops to a challenging steep uphill finish, it was a super way to
end the riding part of the Trophy. This final Special was won by a
dominant Team South Africa.

As for the GS bikes, they have held up remarkably well
considering the extreme hard use they have been subjected to over
the past seven days and more than 1,300 kilometres of competition.
Despite being dropped off ‘broken bridges’, dragged through
boulder-strewn river crossings, hauled over huge logs, and ridden
hard across every type of terrain and obstacle imaginable, there has
been hardly any damage at all to the fleet of over 100 BMW R 1200 GS
and GS Adventures. A few tyres have been changed due to punctures, a
couple of clutches and coolers have been replaced, as have a few
mirrors and levers, but there have been no technical failures at
all. All in all, it’s a welcome confirmation of the indestructible
nature of a BMW GS, as well as the great job done by
Original
BMW Motorrad Accessories in protecting the bikes.

All good things must come to an end of course, and although the
riding was over, there was still time for the final evening
celebration and points announcement, and the Trophy circus was
joined by many invited guests from across Asia, who were welcomed
for the festivities.

Having come close to Trophy honours several times before (second
place in 2010 and 2014), Team South Africa were delighted winners:
“Relief is the first emotion, then happiness,” expressed an
overjoyed Byron Coetsee. “South Africa’s track record in the event
has been seconds and thirds, we even missed out on the win in 2010
by as little as one point, so to finish like this, it’s like the
weight of the world is lifted off our shoulders. We share this
achievement with our previous GS Trophy team riders.”

Quote Heiner Faust, Vice President Sales and Marketing, BMW
Motorrad:
“I’m so pleased we staged this latest International
GS Trophy in Southeast Asia and welcomed riders from across the
globe to this wonderful region, including our first ever female team
who were truly inspiring. Once again the competition has been tough
and exciting from start to finish. As all of the teams have
discovered, Thailand is an amazing place for adventure motorcycling,
especially when you are riding with new friends who share exactly
the same passion as you. This passion has been reflected by the
thousands of enthusiasts worldwide who have been following the
Trophy online via our various social media channels.
The BMW
Motorrad community has truly engaged with the spirit of the GS
Trophy and we’re sure that this success story will continue for a
long time.”

Catch all the latest updates online at gstrophy.com and also via
YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 


BMW Motorrad Int. GS Trophy 2016 Day Seven final results:

 

1     South Africa
                                                  299

2     Germany
                                                       268

2     UK
                                                                 268

4     CEEU
                                                            254

5     Latin America
                                               244

6     Brazil
                                                             242

7     China
                                                             234

8     USA
                                                              229

9     France
                                                           208

10   Italy
                                                                200

11   Argentina
                                                      188

12   Mexico
                                                           181

13   Russia
                                                           180

14   Canada
                                                         176

15   South Korea
                                                  146

16   Japan
                                                            138

16   South East Asia                                             138

18  
Alps                                                                117

19   International Female Team                           116

 

 

 

 

 

 

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