Munich / Temuco, Chile. After 24 months of planning and qualifying events around the world attended by riders from 32 countries, the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2012 is finally underway at the Trailanqui Resort near Temuco. The event is currently in its fourth day with Team Germany already in the lead and Team South Africa in the eleventh position.
Freed from their five 40-foot shipping containers are the 62 BMW F 800 GS, 20 R 1200 GS Rallye and five BMW G 650 GS Sertão motorcycles, now taking part in the event. In total 87 motorcycles and 15 cars are currently travelling the 2 000km route with 114 people, including the 45 competitors, 15 team journalists, two doctors, mechanics and organisational staff.
Speaking at the start of the event, Michael Trammer, chief organiser of the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy, said:
“Everything is ready at last, the organising staff are all here, the final checks and double checks have all been completed. And the riders have arrived from all over the world. Ahead of them a packed eight-day programme of adventure, with no time for a rest day like the Dakar! How tiring will this be for the competitors!
“In contrast to the Dakar, the GS Trophy is not a race. Speed is never a relevant factor. But nevertheless the Trophy is very challenging: participants have to get up early in the morning, they don’t know which route profile and special tests are awaiting them during the day and they have to make long distances day by day. That adventure starts right here.”
The BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2012 ends on Sunday, 2 December.
