15.09.2024
Midgard, Namibia. BMW Motorrad is excited to announce the start of the 9th edition of the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy, set to take place in Namibia’s breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrains from the 15th to the 20th of September 2024.
The Ultimate Off-Road Challenge: An Adventure of a Lifetime
Over six days, 22 teams from around the globe — 16 men’s and 6 women’s — will navigate a challenging 1,350-kilometer route through Namibia’s incredible landscapes. This event is not a race but a test of skill, endurance, and team spirit, reflecting the true spirit of the GS community as riders tackle everything from vast deserts and towering dunes to rocky trails and dry riverbeds.
To earn their place in this prestigious event, riders first competed in rigorous national qualifying events in their respective countries, where the top three male riders and the top two female riders earned the honor of representing their country as part of a team. For the first time, to ensure everyone could experience this unique adventure, BMW Motorrad organized an international qualifier at the BMW Motorrad Days 2023. This new entry point allowed riders from countries without a dedicated national team to compete and join the global GS Trophy community.
Introducing the GS Trophy Competition Bikes
The 2024 GS Trophy features the debut of the BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition Bike, a powerful machine developed exclusively for this event. Equipped with a 1,300cc air/liquid-cooled boxer twin engine, the R 1300 GS delivers 143 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, paired with specialized off-road accessories like engine protection bars, adjustable levers, and robust cross-spoke wheels to handle the most challenging terrains.
The BMW F 900 GS Trophy Marshal Bike will guide participants through Namibia’s demanding routes. With its 895cc parallel-twin engine, generating 105 horsepower, and enhanced off-road capabilities, the F 900 GS serves as the perfect companion for the dynamic and unpredictable conditions of the GS Trophy.
The Route: Six Days of Pure Adventure
The 2024 GS Trophy route will take riders through Namibia’s extraordinary landscapes, offering a mix of sand dunes, rocky mountain passes, riverbeds, and dense bushland. Participants will face “special stages” that test their off-road riding capabilities, mechanical knowledge, navigation skills, intelligence, and teamwork. Each challenge is designed to highlight the versatility and ruggedness of the BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition Bike and the riders’ resilience.
An Event Like No Other
Along with the 60 participants, 15 journalists, marshals, mechanics, medics, partner representatives, and a film and photo crew will join the event, bringing together nearly 190 people from 32 nations, 120 motorcycles, and 32 support vehicles. It is a global celebration of adventure motorcycling, capturing the very essence of the GS spirit.
Returning to the Roots: Africa
The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024 marks a significant milestone as the event returns to Africa, where it all began. The first GS Trophy was held in 2008 in Tunisia, setting the stage for one of the most celebrated and challenging adventure motorcycling events worldwide. After exploring incredible terrains in Southern Africa (South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique) in 2010, the GS Trophy is again embracing Africa’s rugged landscapes.
Over the years, the GS Trophy has traversed some of the world’s most stunning and demanding locations: from the deserts of Tunisia to the wilds of Patagonia (2012), the forests of Canada (2014), the jungles of Thailand (2016), the steppes of Mongolia (2018), and the mountains of New Zealand (2020). Most recently, in 2022, it explored the unspoiled beauty of Albania. Now, in 2024, the GS Trophy comes full circle, returning to Africa— the birthplace of the event—to challenge a new generation of riders against Namibia’s dramatic and diverse landscapes. This return to Africa is an homage to the spirit of adventure and exploration that has defined the GS Trophy since its inception.
Meet the Teams: The Faces Behind the Adventure
The 2024 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy brings together a diverse group of talented riders from across the globe. These riders represent the spirit of adventure, determination, and camaraderie that define the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy. Here’s a look at the teams competing for glory in Namibia:
Team BRAZIL
No. 101
Rider: Igor Rezende
Age: 33
Hometown: Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
Why the BMW GS: I was drawn to the BMW GS for its versatility, allowing seamless transitions from on-road to off-road adventures on a single motorcycle.
No. 102
Rider: Tomaz Santos
Age: 35
Hometown: Itapema, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Occupation: Realtor
Why the BMW GS: I was introduced to the world of Big Trail riding by a family friend, who sparked my passion for adventure on two wheels.
No. 103
Rider: Fernando Dias
Age: 31
Hometown: Paripora de Bom de Jesus, São Paulo, Brazil
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Why the BMW GS: Encouraged by friends familiar with my love for Big Trail and off-road riding, I was inspired to explore the GS competition.
Team MEXICO
No. 111
Rider: Juan Carlos Muñiz
Age: 30
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Occupation: Motorcycle Mechanic
Why the BMW GS: In 2017, I rode an R 1200 GS for the first time, and it captured my heart. Determined to own one, I worked tirelessly to make it happen.
No. 112
Rider: Francisco Leyva
Age: 35
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Why the BMW GS: I was drawn to BMW Motorrad for its quality and the lifestyle it promotes. The GS model caught my attention for its exceptional capabilities on both asphalt and dirt.
No. 113
Rider: Juan Pablo Isaac
Age: 31
Hometown: Merida, Mexico
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Why the BMW GS: Growing up on the tank of my dad’s 1955 R60, I had my first GS adventure to Chiapas at 16, and the GS has been a staple in our family ever since.
Team Latin America
No. 121
Rider: Valdor Warkentin
Age: 39
Hometown: Loma Plata, Paraguay
Occupation: Veterinarian and Farmer
Why the BMW GS: After buying an F800R in 2015, I quickly realized my love for off-road riding. I transitioned to my first R 1200 GSA in 2018, diving deep into the GS world.
No. 122
Rider: Tomas Harrison
Age: 44
Hometown: Sandiago, Chile
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Why the BMW GS: Inspired by a dream of long motorcycle trips, I bought my first BMW, an R1100GS, in 2006. My passion led to global journeys and a deep love for the GS models.
No. 123
Rider: Mathias Eulerich
Age: 24
Hometown: Asuncion, Paraguay
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Why the BMW GS: Taught by my father from a young age, the first bike I drove was a GS 650 from 1999, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Team USA
No. 131
Rider: Jacobus de Wet
Age: 44
Hometown: Crystal Beach, Texas, USA
Occupation: Maintenance
Why the BMW GS: I wanted to compete in the GS Trophy but had the wrong bike, so I got a GS and started training, which made me a better rider and pushed me to join the Namibia event.
No. 132
Rider: Kirk Graydon
Age: 57
Hometown: Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
Why the BMW GS: I discovered the GS Trophy by chance in 2017, at the BMW Riders Academy, just 15 minutes from home. After taking a class, I’ve been passionate about GS ever since.
No. 133
Rider: Scott Acheson
Age: 58
Hometown: Middleburg, Florida, USA
Occupation: Sales Manager
Why the BMW GS: With a lifetime of riding experience, I decided to get a BMW—the original adventure bike. My 2011 BMW R 1200 GSA has taken me across diverse terrains nationwide.
Team Benelux
No. 141
Rider: Jeffrey Kiestra
Age: 29
Hometown: Burgum, The Netherlands
Occupation: Leasing Company / Volunteer Firefighter
Why the BMW GS: Inspired by a family training session on a GS, we fell in love with the experience and have been riding GS bikes ever since, exploring off-road adventures.
No. 142
Rider: Stephan Sleeckx
Age: 40
Hometown: Essen, Belgium
Occupation: Police Force Team Leader
Why the BMW GS: I bought my first BMW R1200 GS in 2012 and was immediately impressed by its versatility, providing comfort for travel and access to places other bikes couldn’t reach.
No. 143
Rider: Arnaud Allard
Age: 32
Hometown: Bohan, Belgium
Occupation: Works in the Tourism Business
Why the BMW GS: To me, BMW has always stood for quality and innovation. After two off-road training courses, I fell in love with the BMW GS for its balance between off-road and on-road performance.
Team Italy
No. 151
Rider: Andrea Gioia
Age: 32
Hometown: Piacenza, Italy
Occupation: Ambulance Driver
Why the BMW GS: I discovered BMW through friends and my father’s passion for the brand. After testing the R 1250 GS, I knew it completed my love for adventure riding.
No. 152
Rider: Massimo Gioia
Age: 52
Hometown: Piacenza, Italy
Occupation: Works at a Bank Why the BMW GS: I entered the BMW Motorrad world after purchasing an F 800 GS, and I’ve been immersed in the GS culture ever since.
No. 153
Rider: Mauro Zucca
Age: 31
Hometown: Pavia, Italy
Occupation: Freelancer in Insurance
Why the BMW GS: My passion for BMW Motorrad was ignited by the people at the GS Academy in Italy, whose skills and personalities inspired me to explore the world of GS.
Team UK
No. 161
Rider: Matt Poole
Age: 40
Hometown: West Sussex, UK
Occupation: Business Owner/Director Why the BMW GS: After a long sports bike ride, I noticed that all the other riders were on GS bikes. A test ride later, I knew they couldn’t all be wrong—and I’ve been a GS fan ever since.
No. 162
Rider: Steven Ferguson
Age: 42
Hometown: Perthshire, Scotland
Occupation: Owner/Director of a garage equipment company
Why the BMW GS: I bought an R 1250 RS two years ago but fell in love with the GS after testing it in wet, cold conditions. It’s the perfect bike for all my riding experiences.
No. 163
Rider: Matt Shields
Age: 33
Hometown: Somerset, UK
Occupation: Engineering Project Consultant
Why the BMW GS: Planning a year-long trip with my girlfriend, we chose the R1200GS Adventure, which took us 40,000 km from the UK to South Africa across some of the toughest terrains.
Team France
No. 171
Rider: Alexandre Etoile
Age: 29
Hometown: Dugny, France
Occupation: Military Police Officer
Why the BMW GS: Inspired by my dad’s love for BMWs, I saved up and bought a GS to fulfill my travel dreams.
No. 172
Rider: Romain Viceriat
Age: 28
Hometown: Bonneville, France
Occupation: Agricultural Mechanic
Why the BMW GS: I got into the GS world thanks to my father, who sold me his first GS. I have never changed brands since.
No. 173
Rider: Philippe Birtele
Age: 47
Hometown: Esserts-Blay, France
Occupation: Ski Center Maintenance Manager
Why the BMW GS: A friend let me try their GS, and I was immediately hooked on its capabilities and style.
Team Germany
No. 181
Rider: Christopher Michi
Age: 25
Hometown: Oberschleissheim, Munich, Germany
Occupation: Logistics Foreman
Why the BMW GS: With a family full of BMW enthusiasts, I was naturally drawn to the GS, which I find perfect for both long tours and fun off-road riding.
No. 182
Rider: Niko Wecker
Age: 22
Hometown: Gütersloh, Germany
Occupation: Motorcycle Mechanic
Why the BMW GS: Growing up in a family with a BMW dealership, I fell in love with the boxer engine early on. The GS is simply an unbelievable motorcycle.
No. 183
Rider: Jan Stahl
Age: 33
Hometown: Hoehr-Grenzhausen, Germany
Occupation: Vehicle Slip Control System Developer
Why the BMW GS: The unique shape and character of the boxer engine drew me to BMW, and I’ve been customizing and riding their bikes ever since.
Team China
No. 191
Rider: Dake Xue
Age: 43
Hometown: Bejing, China
Occupation: Teacher
Why the BMW GS: Encouraged by friends to discover the fun of riding a GS, I quickly became a fan.
No. 192
Rider: Yang Liu
Age: 36
Hometown: Jinan, Shandong, China
Occupation: Motorcycle Instructor
Why the BMW GS: As a long-time BMW fan with a collection of their vehicles, I trust their quality and enjoy the challenges the GS offers on various terrains.
No. 193
Rider: Luquan Cai
Age: 34
Hometown: Xiamen, China
Occupation: Project Engineering
Why the BMW GS: Invited by car enthusiasts, I quickly fell in love with the world of GS motorcycles.
Team India
No. 201
Rider: Anand Dharesan
Age: 32
Hometown: Trivandrum, India
Occupation: Own a Lighting Consultation Firm
Why the BMW GS: After riding other adventure bikes, I knew I needed the ultimate— the GS.
No. 202
Rider: Dev Venkatesh
Age: 31
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Occupation: Event Management
Why the BMW GS: Always wanted an adventure motorcycle, and riding a friend’s GS led me to buy one and connect with the GS community.
No. 203
Rider: Sardar Shahan Khan
Age: 21
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Occupation: Student of Political Science
Why the BMW GS: Inspired by my dad’s purchase of the first BMW GSA in India, I’ve been riding GS bikes since I was 14, and I’m now on my fifth.
Team Japan
No. 211
Rider: Hirokuni Kitagawa
Age: 41
Hometown: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Occupation: Architectural Engineer
Why the BMW GS: After meeting GS riders in Morocco 20 years ago, I knew I wanted to be one of them.
No. 212
Rider: Yasuhiro Maehara
Age: 47
Hometown: Okegawa, Saitama, Japan
Occupation: Mechanical Sales Engineer
Why the BMW GS: I admired the R1200GSA’s styling in a magazine, which started my journey with BMW.
No. 213
Rider: Kazuyuki Shimada
Age: 46
Hometown: Hidaka, Saitama, Japan
Occupation: Architect
Why the BMW GS: Started with an F800GS for touring, then got into the GS Trophy through a friend who is a GS rider and runs a BMW Motorrad shop.
Team South Korea
No. 221
Rider: BK Choi
Age: 38
Hometown: Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Occupation: Works for an e-Commerce Company
Why the BMW GS: Inspired by ‘Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Down,’ I bought a GS and discovered the GS Trophy—an adventure I’m thrilled to join in Namibia.
No. 222
Rider: Jinsoo Lee
Age: 46
Hometown: Dae-gu, Republic of Korea
Occupation: Works for an Electronics Company
Why the BMW GS: Looking for a motorcycle that excels on both roads and trails, I found the R1250GS to be the perfect match.
No. 223
Rider: Younglong Eum
Age: 41
Hometown: Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Occupation: Firefighter
Why the BMW GS: Fascinated by the BMW R1200GS for travel and camping, I learned about the GS Trophy and worked hard to qualify.
Team South Africa
No. 231
Rider: Marthinus van Rooyen
Age: 24
Hometown: Vanderbijlpark Gauteng, South Africa
Occupation: Works for an Industrial Refrigeration Company
Why the BMW GS: Advised by a guide during a trip to Lesotho to get a BMW GS and participate in the GS Trophy.
No. 232
Rider: JP Boer
Age: 27
Hometown: Pretoria, South Africa
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Why the BMW GS: After my mom bought me my first motorcycles for every-day use, I started riding off-road more extensively, which led me to purchase a 1200GS and enter the GS Trophy.
No. 233
Rider: Ruhan de Villiers
Age: 48
Hometown: Western Cape in Langebaan, South Africa
Occupation: Financial Adviser
Why the BMW GS: After testing various motorcycles, I chose the F800GS for its versatility and later upgraded to the R1200GS Rallye, which I consider the best bike I’ve ever owned.
Team Middle East
No. 241
Rider: Antoine Saad
Age: 55
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Occupation: Works for a Steel Constructions Company
Why the BMW GS: Love the GS spirit and riding behavior, which drew me to the brand.
No. 242
Rider: Amir Shamsuddin
Age: 55
Hometown: Dubai, United Arab of Emirates
Occupation: Commercial Airline Pilot
Why the BMW GS: BMW Motorrad represents quality and high performance, and the GS naturally came to mind for off-road adventures.
No. 243
Rider: Taher Altayeb
Age: 46
Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Occupation: VP of Sales and Marketing
Why the BMW GS: I’ve always loved BMW, starting with an RT, and soon moved to a GS and never looked back.
International Team
No. 251
Rider: Dmytro Ivanov
Age: 42
Hometown: Kharkov, Ukraine
Occupation: CEO
Why the BMW GS: Introduced to BMW by a friend, quickly captivated by the GS.
No. 252
Rider: Martin Ulreich
Age: 40
Hometown: Aschau/Burgenland, Austria
Occupation: Managing Director
Why the BMW GS: As a motorcycle mechanic, I always admired the GS. After riding various models, my dream of joining the GS Trophy came true.
No. 253
Rider: Michal Wantola
Age: 42
Hometown: Buczowice, Poland
Occupation: President of a Transportation Company
Why the BMW GS: Introduced to the GS by friends, my first bike was a 1200 GS, and it remains the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned.
Female Team South Korea
No. 301
Rider: Sunghee Kim
Age: 41
Hometown: Seoul, Republic of Korea
Occupation: Nurse Assistant
Why the BMW GS: Always wanted to ride a GS but initially thought it wasn’t for me due to my height. But I challenged myself and after a lot of practice, I was drawn by its power and performance.
No. 302
Rider: Hye Eun Choi
Age: 38
Hometown: Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
Occupation: Runs a Tofu Shop
Why the BMW GS: Tried several bikes before realizing that the GS was the perfect fit for my off-road and touring needs.
Female Team France
No. 311
Rider: Chevalier Axelle
Age: 30
Hometown: Valence in Drôme, France Occupation: National Police Motorcycle Rider
Why the BMW GS: My husband introduced me to BMW motorcycles, particularly the GS, leading me to challenge myself at the GS Trophy.
No. 312
Rider: Laure Arbez
Age: 29
Hometown: Thonon-les-Bains, France
Occupation: Works for an Advertisement Video Publishing Agency
Why the BMW GS: My dad had several GS models, and after my first ride, I fell in love and spent 14 months exploring South America on it.
Female International Team
No. 321
Rider: Małgorzata Jakubiak
Age: 41
Hometown: Skierniewice, Poland
Occupation: Lawyer
Why the BMW GS: Started riding BMW bikes 10 years ago and have always been particularly fond of the GS models.
No. 322
Rider: Anna Cárdova
Age: 31
Hometown: Radiměř, Czech Republic
Occupation: Owns an On-road Driving School
Why the BMW GS: After trying various motorcycles, I found the BMW R 1250 GS to be the best option for my off-road passion.
Female Team Germany
No. 331
Rider: Marion Linder
Age: 50
Hometown: Durach, Germany
Occupation: Self-employed Physiotherapist
Why the BMW GS: Decided to get a GS1200 ADV after off-road training at the Enduropark Hechlingen as a birthday gift to myself.
No. 332
Rider: Ulrike Pleissner
Age: 24
Hometown: Potsdam, Germany
Occupation: Full-time riding her motorcycle around the world
Why the BMW GS: Initially unfamiliar with BMW, I quickly fell in love with my first GS and have been dedicated ever since.
Female Team Japan
No. 341
Rider: Yumi Takimoto
Age: 46
Hometown: Kanagawa, Japan
Occupation: Sales Consultant for a Motorcycle Accessories Company
Why the BMW GS: Inspired by my husband’s experience at the GS Trophy Canada, I wanted to join this great community of riders.
No. 342
Rider: Miwano Yoshizawa
Age: 32
Hometown: Osaka, Japan
Occupation: Works at Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Why the BMW GS: Inspired by my first foreign motorcycle tour in South Africa on a rental GS, which led me to love the GS community.
Female Team Benelux
No. 351
Rider: Karen Weckx
Age: 44
Hometown: Tongeren, Belgium
Occupation: Gynecologist
Why the BMW GS: Introduced to the GS by a friend and fell in love with its capabilities. My journey began with an F 800 GS and led to many offroad adventures.
No. 352
Rider: Nadine van de Scheur
Age: 25
Hometown: Krimpen a/d Ijssel, The Netherlands
Occupation: Ambulant Guider for young people
Why the BMW GS: Motivated by my father-in-law and partner’s passion for BMW and the GS, I was determined to qualify for the GS Trophy.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
