uncertain as to how tomorrow will shape up and how
many points there will be to win or lose.”
The last day promised to be one where a simple mis-
take could cost a team the entire event; a lot to be gained
and so much more to be lost. Just nine points covered
the top three teams as France and Italy traded places
with South Africa still in the lead.
The final day started with a ride following the Crown
Range, soon providing sight of The Remarkables, the
mountain range that looks over Queenstown, the famous
adventure capital. Plunging into a steep track the course
soon reached Arrowtown, the historic gold rush town.
This meant crossing the Arrow River, a crossing that
was over a metre deep and caught out several riders who
were to spend the rest of the day a little damp. The river
was to prove vital as the next challenge required teams
to ride two-up carrying two jerry cans. They’d ride to the
third team member before the pillion left the bike and
with the third member run back to the start through the
river to meet the rider who had to ride back. A simple
challenge that tested everyone and had an overall im-
pact on the results.
Riding around The Remarkables the teams found
themselves at the Coronet Peak ski resort for the final
challenge.
Double the points, double the challenge, the top three
teams were all in a position to win, a position to lose.
A testing trials course that needed maximum ag-
gression by all riders to ensure a good time. It was a
challenge that saw team Netherlands come out on top,
enough to move them up the field but not enough to
knock South Africa from the top spot, ensuring they
were able to retain the title of the GS Trophy winners.
“We were nervous, shaking even and over thinking
everything!”, grinned Grimsted as he explained just a
five-point gap heading into the day was a scary prospect.
“It was awesome. We’re super happy to take the win
and we know for the GS community at home this is
cause for celebration. Our third win, it’s wonderful.”
The GS riders had enjoyed an incredible eight days of
adventure riding. New Zealand’s two islands had deliv-
ered a vast range of natural wonders; from ocean beach-
es to the peak of Mt. Cook, the riders had seen so much
of the terrain, and the flora and fauna that makes this
remote country such an intense experience.
The 2020 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy was
a huge success. Many friendships were made, many will
last a lifetime … it’s what GS does, it’s what adventure
does, it’s what motorcycling does … uniting everyone
with a common theme, a common love …
FINAL STANDINGS:
1 South Africa
2 France
3 Italy
4 Netherlands
5 South Korea
6 Latin America
7 Brazil
8 Russia
9 Mexico
10 Argentina
11 Middle East
TRAVERSE 17
394
382
380
375
361
355
335
316
295
278
268
12 Australia
264
13 USA
254
14 Nordic
246
15 UK
238
16 Thailand
222
17 Japan
218
18 Malaysia
208
19 India
200
20 Int. Female Team I 169
21 North Africa
146
22 Int. Female Team II 118