The fifth BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Southeast Asia 2016 edition, which consisted of some 57 riders in 19 teams representing 25 nations from around the world concluded in Chiang Dao, Thailand. Team South Africa earned the win by 31 points ahead of Germany and Team UK while the latter two tied for second.
They competed in a week of adventure riding, special tests and teamwork challenges. Starting February 28, BMW had said it was a week that was also to be about experiencing life in the rain forests of the hilly ‘Golden Triangle’ region in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province. Past editions have typically featured long trails through wilderness or mountainous regions. The competitors experienced a slower pace but far more technical challenge.
BMW say that it was a team exercise to clear a series of ever tightening turns on a two-tiered course, with the usual penalty points for feet touching the ground or dropping the bike. It was inspiring to watch the slow-speed control and balance of certain riders, especially the female trio who showed fantastic skills and technique in this exercise. Team Brazil were, however, the winners of this Special.
Having come close to Trophy honours several times before (second place in 2010 and 2014), Team South Africa were delighted winners: “Relief is the first emotion, then happiness,” expressed an overjoyed Byron Coetsee. “South Africa’s track record in the event has been seconds and thirds, we even missed out on the win in 2010 by as little as one point, so to finish like this, it’s like the weight of the world is lifted off our shoulders. We share this achievement with our previous GS Trophy team riders,” he added.
Here are the top 5 winners:
1. South Africa, 299
2. Germany, 268
2. UK, 268
4. CEEU, 254
5. Latin America, 244
