Pinoys to battle internationally for adventure riding glory

Just last week, the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy had announced that its next event in 2020 will be held at "Middle Earth," New Zealand. The final dates have yet to be announced.

“In New Zealand, rainforest meets glaciers, steppe-like flora meets subtropical flora. The island is characterized by high plateaus and mountain peaks with heights of well over 3000 meters as well as fjord landscapes, countless uplands and woodlands – the best conditions for exciting trails and gruelling challenges. Wherever the trail may go: every meter is packed with pure enduro fun,” said GSTrophy.com.

18 teams had already confirmed their intention to participate in the 2020 GS Trophy. Past contenders like the All Female Team, Latin America, Middle East, Nordic, and North Africa have yet to confirm. Asian teams like Malaysia and Thailand have confirmed their presence. With our former Team Southeast Asia colleagues deciding to form their own teams, the question arose if there would be an "RP (Republic of the Philippines) Team" representing the country.

We asked BMW Motorrad Philippines to confirm. "Yes, may RP team na.(Yes, there will be a Republic of the Philippines Team.)” BMW Motorrad Philippines also mentioned that qualifiers will be held in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, to find the country's best GS riders. All BMW Motorrad owners are welcome to join the qualifiers.

Last June 2018, our very own, Aris Cuevas, together with Mohd Apis from Malaysia, and Jakit “Ouy” Thawongpeay from Thailand, formed Team South East Asia. Despite the setbacks the team had encountered, they still managed to place 11th overall, even besting powerhouses like China and Canada.

The International GS Trophy is a motorcycle adventure challenge exclusively for BMW Motorrad owners with teams from all around the world battling it out on intensive daily stages and numerous special challenges.

“We have people and participants from all around the globe, from different nations and different cultures, speaking several [different] languages and they all come to the GS Trophy destination and they are unified by the love and the passion to ride the BMW GS and that is what makes it special,” said Mathias Horn, Mathias Horn, International GS Trophy Project Lead of the International GS Trophy.

For a taste of what the GS Trophy will entail, stay tuned for details on the annual Touratech Travel Event in Dinadiawan, Dipaculao Aurora. BMW Motorrad Philippines' 'GS Camp' may be returnning this year as the event highlight. The GS Camp features adventure riding drills similar to the GS Trophy to give participants a taste of what it takes to be a GS Trophy Qualifier.