enough a challenge for the male teams , even tougher for the females , yet managed by all .
Then began the long ride back to base camp . While now out of the Pindus mountains , there was still no shortage of hill country and ancient routes to ride , some rocky , some sandy and grassed , and some rock paved , again dating back to the Roman Empire and probably earlier . All of it made tougher as the temperature soared and the humidity stifled .
Shortly before reaching the base camp the route took the riders through the 42 square kilometre Karavasta Lagoon , one of the largest saltwater lagoons on the Mediterranean . Contained by a long strip of sand , the lagoon , part of a larger national park , is unique in its ecology . On this occasion , the riders got to see the magnificent pelicans that inhabit the shallow waters , although flamingos are also said to be found here . However , maybe of equal interest to the riders were the sand tracks that ran through the park , between the various lagoons and then into the adjoining pine forest . These offered an almost smooth off-road ride , especially where the pine needles carpeted the track , and were much welcomed after six days riding rocks !
Finally , 10 hours riding , and after 6pm in the evening , with the sun setting over the Adriatic , the riders reached base camp . Weary for sure , but content after a full day of experiences , and surprisingly still with energy enough for a spirited dinner and celebration of the day ’ s competition .
In the competition , things couldn ’ t have been closer . Team South Africa were now in the lead of the male teams ’ points standing , not joint lead , as the day prior . The UK were four points in arrears . Teams Germany , China 2020 , and USA were also still in with a chance of victory , and with double points on offer in the final ‘ special ’ on the final day the win could go anyway . Likewise in the female teams ’ competition it was very close between the top three . Team South Africa had for the first time taken the lead , but by just the solitary point over Team Germany , while Mexico were just 12 points adrift .
The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2022 Albania concluded with a spectacular day ’ s riding in the hills and on the beach near Kavaje . After 1230km of hard adventure riding , and 15 special tests the winners were decided , a double for a previous winner .
The final day was the shortest of the event , but arguably the sweetest . Sportive Directors Chris
NEWS MAGAZINE
98
TRAVERSE 98