Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Here in Ulaanbaatar the teams
have all arrived, the bikes are waiting, the kit is unpacked and
everyone is ready for the start of the sixth BMW Motorrad
International GS Trophy in Mongolia. The last
24 hours have
been busy for the competitors, coming to terms with jet lag, sorting
their event registration, taking possession of their
BMW R 1200
GS Rallye motorcycles, taking a trip to see the 40m tall Genghis Khan
Equestrian Statue, then being treated to a display of traditional
Mongolian horsemanship as well as coming face to face with captive
eagles and vultures (Mongolia having a long tradition in falconry).
This year there are 18 teams from 21 nations competing including two
new teams, plus a second International Female Team, all of whom are
extremely keen to join the GS Trophy brother and sister hood.
Australia and India are both first-time entrants and their finalists
are naturally very excited by what lies ahead.
In Australia their team finalists used the recent “BMW Safari”
adventure event as something of a boot camp for tuning up skills and
bonding as a team.
Shane Guttridge, Team Australia: “We’ve come together for team
training at the Australian BMW Safari and it’s been fantastic learning
together, it’s amazing how you can always learn something new.”
Michael Haley, Team Australia: “It’s great to be in a team with Shane
and Simon, so we can share this experience, we’re looking forward to
pitting ourselves against other GS riders from around the world and
seeing how we stand. There’ll be the competition but also the
friendships and I’m sure there’s a whole atmosphere to the event. It’s
not just one thing, it´s all these things that will make it such an
unforgettable experience.”
Team India flew to South Africa to attend training at GS Trophy
marshal Jan du Toit’s Country Trax Off-Road Riding Academy in
Amersfoort near Johannesburg.
Winson Lee, Team India: “Country Trax left us awestruck. To have 600
acres of farm to ride on just put smiles on our faces. Jan was an
amazing host and a very knowledgeable trainer, his unique training
techniques made a great impression on us and we certainly plan on
visiting him again.
“We’re really looking forward to Mongolia. It’s good to be
competitive but we should realize that we are already at a place where
millions are craving to be. Just by being selected for the GS Trophy
makes us winners and we should enjoy every moment of it. We’re looking
forward to meeting fellow riders from across the world and sharing our
stories and making new friends.”
Meet the teams.
Below is a full list of the participants, with a little comment from
each about their lives as GS riders and the excitement of attending
the most prestigious GS event in the world:
Team Argentina
No. 101
Rider: Andres Junco
Age: 50
Hometown: Laprida, Bueonos Aires
Occupation: Trade person
Quote:
“My motivation in applying for the GS Trophy was to find new friends
and explore new adventures, so yes, I’m looking forward to visiting
this exotic country and meeting new people, “Spirit of GS’ is pure adventure!”
No. 102
Rider: Julio Quiroga
Age: 50
Hometown: Mendosa
Occupation: Businessman
Quote:
“My motivation was that both of my sons participated in previous
editions of the Int. GS Trophy: Julian in Canada 2014 and Gaston in
Thailand 2016. It is unprecedented to have father and sons
participating in three successive editions.”
No. 103
Rider: Silvestre Farrell
Age: 29
Hometown: Pilar Buenos Aires
Occupation: BMW Salesman
Quote:
“I’m looking forward to the competition, it’s about adventure,
unforgettable memories, teamwork and healthy competition.”
Team Australia
No: 111
Rider: Shane Guttridge
Age: 48
Hometown: Victoria
Occupation: Builder
Quote:
“My girlfriend entered me into all this, and she paid on my credit
card without me even knowing!”
No: 112
Rider: Simon Turvey
Age: 49
Hometown: South Australia
Occupation: Facilitator of Youth Learning
Quote:
“I have ridden many bikes over the years but my R 1150 GS is the only
bike that when I push the button, it really asks me how far I want to
go. I love to get out and ride it as much as possible.”
No: 113
Rider: Michael Haley
Age: 49
Hometown: Victoria
Occupation: Concreter
Quote:
“The Spirit of GS relates to friendship, the ability to ride with
mates and put everything else aside. It encapsulates everyone, it
doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from.”
Team Canada
No: 121
Rider: Bela Herman
Age: 41
Hometown: Newmarket, Ontario
Occupation: Service technician (trucks)
Quote:
“I ride a F 800 GS, which now has more than 190,000 happy kilometres
on it.
My most exciting trip with it was a two-week adventure
together with my brother, where we travelled along the Trans Labrador
Highway and visited the North Eastern part of the United States.”
No: 122
Rider: Joel Goulet
Age: 45
Hometown: Blainville, Quebec
Occupation: Hydraulic excavator operator
Quote:
“I am preparing myself for the Int. GS Trophy 2018 by a lot of
training – and taking English lessons!”
No: 123
Rider: Jamie Jones
Age: 58
Hometown: St George, Ontario
Occupation: Stuntman
Quote:
“I ride an F 800 GS. I went on a ride with a friend and we got into
some amazing trails and woods. We made some trials sections and rode
down some hills. I was very surprised at what these bikes would go
through and go up! It was a very impressive experience.”
Team China
No: 131
Rider: Xianmeng Bao
Age: 42
Hometown: Zhejiang
Occupation: Company owner
Quote:
“With the grassland accompanied, the great food accompanied, and good
friends from all over the world accompanied I will fulfil my ambition!”
No: 132
Rider: Shizhao He
Age: 40
Hometown: Zhejiang
Occupation: Owner of a transport company
Quote:
“The GS spirit I understand is unity, helping each other and making
progress together. I also hope that by spreading the Spirit of GS, and
what we have experienced, we can get more friends who love motorcycles
and also love voluntarily to join public welfare undertakings.”
No: 133
Rider: Chaohui Ruan
Age: 37
Hometown: Zhejiang
Occupation: Automotive dealer
Quote:
“Doing what you like with your favourite brotherhood is the most
appealing thing for me about the Int. BMW GS Trophy 2018.”
Team France
No: 141
Rider: Paul Basseville
Age: 30
Hometown: Lyon
Occupation: Surgical instrument dealer
Quote:
“The motivation to enter the GS Trophy came first with the
destination: Mongolia. I’ve dreamed about it for years. Second,
because of the human experience and the opportunity to share my
passion for the bikes with teams from all over the world.”
No: 142
Rider: Jerome Durand
Age: 31
Hometown: Lyon
Occupation: Orthopaedist
Quote:
“I missed the final last year and wanted to take my chance again.
Having qualified is a real and exciting surprise I was not prepared for!”
No: 143
Rider: Olivier Fayat
Age: 37
Hometown: Combovin
Occupation: Motorcycle policeman
Quote:
“In order to be ready for the GS Trophy Qualifier France, I took new
off-road ways which were designed for small motorbikes. Result: I had
to use a rope so I could get out of some situations!”
Team Germany
No: 151
Rider: Martin Kern
Age: 44
Hometown: Berlin
Occupation: Managing Director
Quote:
“For me, the International BMW GS Trophy is one of the last real
adventures and clearly a once in your lifetime experience that I
always wanted to be part of since I heard about it for the first time.”
No: 152
Rider: Valentin Muller
Age: 33
Hometown: Karlsfeld
Occupation: Car salesman / motorcycle tours organiser
Quote:
“Together with Michael and Martin we will do a team building
activity, some off-road trainings and just hang out together to be
relaxed but focused during our once in a lifetime experience in Mongolia.”
No: 153
Rider: Michael Hansel
Age: 33
Hometown: Benshausen
Occupation: Service and sales engineer
Quote:
“For me, the “Spirit of GS” means having fun riding a motorcycle. The
feeling of freedom to live and experience in the truest sense of the
word. GS Spirit means teamwork, fun and companionship – no matter
which country we come from, which language we speak or which skin
colour we have. We all have the same spirit!”
Team India
No: 161
Rider: Suprej Venkat
Age: 34
Hometown: Ciombatore
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Quote:
“I ride a R 1200 GS Adventure and I recently rode across ten
countries in Southern Africa after shipping the bikes to South Africa
and rode all the way to Kenya. Every day was an experience and the
bike was simply flawless.”
No: 162
Rider: Winston Lee
Age: 41
Hometown: Mumbai
Occupation: Businessman
Quote:
“I’ve been an avid adventurer since my younger days, I’ve always had
the hunger to explore the unknown and new destinations. The GS has in
many ways enabled me to explore new grounds. Places I’ve been to that
I never thought of riding to before, like Spiti, Leh, Nepal and Bhutan
to name a few. So it’s safe to say the Spirit of GS is the spirit of me!”
No: 163
Rider: Sanket Shanbhag
Age: 41
Hometown: Satara
Occupation: Hotelier
Quote:
“I ride an R 1200 GS Rallye. The most surprizing thing that I
experienced was how easy it is to ride one. I’m looking forward to
meeting likeminded people, see a new country and have an epic ride.”
Team Japan
No: 171
Rider: Hiroaki Tazawa
Age: 42
Hometown: Yokohama
Occupation: working for an auto auction company
Quote:
“My most exciting GS story is when I joined the GS Trophy Japan in
2013. It was my first time camping, participating in the skills
challenges and the GS Trophy qualifier. I was also able to communicate
with many other GS riders, and it has really changed my life.”
No: 172
Rider: Sho Tajima
Age: 29
Hometown: Okinawa Island
Occupation: Safety riding instructor
Quote:
“To prepare for the GS Trophy firstly I study English to understand
the regulations of the GS Trophy games. Secondly, I build muscle to
fully enjoy my dream days. Finally, I help with the housework and
childcare every day to get approval from my wife!”
No: 173
Rider: Yuki Ogasawara
Age: 38
Hometown: Hiroshima
Occupation: Hair dresser
Quote:
I have always been motivated by constantly trying new things that
give my life value – I believe the International GS Trophy does
exactly that. GS life is a constant cycle of challenges and small adventures.
Team Korea
No: 181
Rider: Sung Duck Kwon
Age: 36
Hometown: Osan
Occupation: Motorcycle Mechanic
Quote:
“I finished fourth in our qualifier but was called up to the team
three weeks ago after the first place finisher was injured. I feel
very sorry for him, but delighted for myself, so I will do my best on
his behalf. It’s great to be coming to this country and to find new friends.”
No: 182
Rider: Choi Donghoon
Age: 38
Hometown: Osan-si, Gyeonggi-do
Occupation: Engineer
Quote:
“I have once challenged myself by participating in the previous
qualifying event for the International GS Trophy 2016, but failed
regretfully ranking only 7th. However, I intensively prepared myself
for the International BMW GS Trophy 2018 for the last two years, and
got ranked 2nd in this qualifying event. I am very surprised and happy
that I can join the GS Trophy 2018 at last.”
No: 183
Rider: Kim Sunho
Age: 35
Hometown: Cheonan City
Occupation: Engineer
Quote:
“Riding my bike at the GS event is comparable to participating in a
triathlon. As the following skills are equally required: riding
skills, physical strength and cooperative spirit. So it seems to be
full of masculine beauty.”
Team Latin America
No: 191
Rider: Daniel Hoyes
Age: 34
Hometown: Medellin, Colombia
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
Quote:
“I have been riding GSs for 15 years and ridden the GS Trophy in
Colombia and Latin America, so I’m proud to be here for the
International GS Trophy. For me, being here is about meeting new
people, enjoying the landscapes and riding this beautiful machine.”
No: 192
Rider: Picho Barrientos
Age: 23
Hometown: Guatemala
Occupation: Helicopter Pilot
Quote:
“I’ve been riding since I was four years old, that’s 19 years, eight
years of those on BMW. I have an F 800 GSA. I expect this to be a
difficult competition but I think we will enjoy it, and in the name of
God maybe we finish first.”
No: 193
Rider: Francisco Lopez
Age: 31
Hometown: Pereira, Columbia
Occupation: Self Employed
Quote:
“I got a call just this Thursday to ride in this event after one of
the riders couldn’t make it. I had one hour to pack my bags and make
it to the airport. I’m so excited, I’ve ridden in two GS Trophies in
Latin America, and this is the time of my life. I feel so lucky!”
Team Mexico
No: 201
Rider: Jose Vivanco
Age: 45
Hometown: Mexico City
Occupation: Business Manager (Textiles)
Quote:
“Before this my greatest adventure was a coast-to-coast ride across
Mexico, so this is an incredible life experience coming here.”
No: 202
Rider: Manuel Andreu
Age: 46
Hometown: Mexico City
Occupation: Business Manager (Motorsports)
Quote:
“To have qualified as one of the three best Mexicans is an honour,
and this is going to be an incredible adventure, to be in this awesome
country is so special.”
No: 203
Rider: Luis Enrique Lopez Rovirosa
Age: 29
Hometown: Mexico City
Occupation: Courier
Quote:
“My biggest motorcycle adventure was a ride from Mexico to Alaska, it
was 31 days alone on my BMW F 800 GS. Here, as a team we want to win!
We have a very good team, we have good communications and we have
practiced together, but as well to have fun and a great week.”
Team Russia
No: 211
Rider: Vasilly Zhilinskiy
Age: 38
Hometown: Moscow
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Quote:
“Once we had a trip in the deep forest. We took a shortcut, but this
time the terrain was so swampy that we had to literally carry our
bikes on our hands for six hours. That was really tough! But that’s
the way we got really linked to our motorcycles: the real unity of
bike and rider.”
No: 212
Rider: Alexander Mishkinis
Age: 45
Hometown: Moscow
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Quote:
Spirit of GS means freedom. Adventures. Pioneering. The very core of
GS is that it opens up a different world to you. When you start riding
GS, it will change your social circle, interests and lifestyle.”
No: 213
Rider: Konstantin Zolotarev
Age: 31
Hometown: Moscow
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Quote:
“The competition itself is the most appealing thing to me. I have
been in Mongolia before and can surely say: there are no roads there –
that’s a perfectly chosen spot for GS taking place. We are sure that
we and our motorcycles will give our very best!”
Team South Africa
No: 221
Rider: Mark Dickinson
Age: 33
Hometown: Magalieskruin, Pretoria
Occupation: Motorcycle technician
Quote:
The most appealing aspect of the International BMW GS Trophy is that
it spreads the love for and from BMW Motorrad. The Spirit of GS means
unity to me.
No: 222
Rider: Eugene Fourie
Age: 39
Hometown: Centurion, Pretoria
Occupation: Systems engineer
Quote:
“The most exciting ride for me has most definitely been my first
riding and camping adventure with my wife as a pillion through
Lesotho. It was a ‘mildly technical route’ which stretched our
abilities emotionally. It was a memorable bonding experience with some
very interesting campfire stories.”
No: 223
Rider: Chris Meyer
Age: 39
Hometown: George, Southern Cape
Occupation: Motorcycle technician
Quote:
“To me, the Spirit of GS means camaraderie and freedom. Just one big
happy family riding bikes.”
Team Southeast Asia
No: 231
Rider: Jakit Thawongpeay
Age: 36
Hometown: Rayong, Thailand
Occupation: managing Director
Quote:
“GS bikes are the most outstanding bikes in the adventure/ touring
segment. My GS takes me everywhere both tarmac and off-road, uphill or
down on the road. I hope that I will improve my riding skills by
participating in this event as well as to get to know other GS bikers
from around the world.”
No: 232
Rider: Mohd Apis Bin Sagimin
Age: 35
Hometown: Kota Tinggi Johor, Malaysia
Occupation: Diver
Quote:
“The R 1200 GS Adventure is more than a touring bike and had I merely
kept it on the road then I would not be unlocking its full potential.
So I decided to explore the potential of the bike off-road. And with
the set-up of the GS Trophy in this region, I felt that it was an
opportunity not to be missed where I could explore the full potential
of the bike as well as improving my technical riding skills in a safe
environment surrounded by industry and riding experts.”
No: 233
Rider: Aris Cuevas
Age: 43
Hometown: Taguig City, Philippines
Occupation: Senior Project Manager in construction
Quote:
“What I love about BMW bikes since I acquired one in 2008 is that my
wife loves to come with me on my adventure rides. The comfort,
reliability and the prowess it has, to go to places which other brands
cannot reach, is superlative.”
Team United Kingdom
No: 241
Rider: Peter Twigg
Age: 55
Hometown: Sheffield
Occupation: Engine technician
Quote:
“I’m following my nephew Oz into this, he rode for Team UK in 2016
(they finished second!). I own an R 1200 Adventure as well as a F 800
GS and I am currently restoring an early R 80 GS. I have done many
brilliant European trips over the years. One of them that stands out
is the Stella Alpina Internazionale in the Italian Alps where hundreds
of big trailbike enthusiasts gather every July to ride up the Colle
del Sommeiller, the highest unpaved road in the alps at 3,000 metres.”
No. 242
Rider: Craig Keyworth
Age: 39
Hometown: Lincoln
Occupation: Engineer
Quote:
“More than any of my other bikes, cars, vans and vehicles in general,
the Spirit of GS is embodied by its capability to be a two-up
commuter/scooter one day, and a continent crossing, serious off-roader
the next. Beyond the actual bike, the ethos of travel without
boundaries or barriers and discovery both on your own doorstep, or the
other side of the world pretty much sums it up.”
No: 201
Rider: Peter Urquhart
Age: 50
Hometown: North Wales
Occupation: Owner of a construction company
Quote:
“The spirit of GS means the challenge of adventure riding free of
limitations with new experiences around every corner.”
Team USA
No: 251
Rider: David Vaughan
Age: 29
Hometown: Florida
Occupation: Service advisor – automotive
Quote:
“While riding two up with my fiancée in the Cohutta Wilderness in
north Georgia, we came across a wild mule and a donkey. They were just
as curious of us as we were of them. They would not let us get closer
than about 20 feet from them, but every time we inched forward on our
bike they followed us. We rode all day in the woods without seeing
another person, and it really felt like an adventure.”
No: 252
Rider: Tom Thompson
Age: 55
Hometown: Colorado
Occupation: Plumbing and hydronic heat system contractor
Quote:
“The ‘Spirit of the GS’ to me means freedom of choice. My riding
background is mostly all dirt (trials, enduro, hare scrambles) but I
also enjoy road riding and touring. The GS allows me do both dirt and
road riding. It’s a do it all bike!”
No: 253
Rider: Matt Kelley
Age: 49
Hometown: Ohio
Occupation: Maintenance mechanic
Quote:
“For me the appeal of the International BMW GS Trophy is the ability
to represent the country I love and do it on what my entire life has
revolved around, motorcycles. It is a chance of a lifetime experience
to show what a team of Americans can do in another country, on the
best motorcycle built!”
International Female Team Ausamerica
No: 261
Rider: Julia Maguire
Age: 33
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Occupation: Sales Projects Administrator
Quote:
“The GS Trophy is an opportunity to experience a new place and
culture with a team of like-minded moto-women. And to show everyone
how strong we are and hopefully inspire other women to chase their
dreams and challenge themselves.”
No: 262
Rider: Jocelin Snow
Age: 46
Hometown: California, USA
Occupation: Signs Contractor
Quote:
“All my adventures have been great and I have had many, including a
recent 30-day 12,000 mile ride to Alaska. But my biggest adventure was
the trip to South Africa with the GS Trophy girls.”
No: 263
Rider: Bettina Nedel
Age: 51
Hometown: Colorado, USA
Occupation: Communications Technician
Quote:
“For the adventure of my life I would take the following things with
me… I will take my bike and my body to physically carry me. I will
take my head to keep me safe and I will bring my heart so I can love
every moment.”
International Female Team Eurafrica
No: 271
Rider: Sonia Barbot
Age: 33
Hometown: Montpellier, France
Occupation: Graphic designer
Quote:
“I am interested in the International BMW GS Trophy because I
discovered off-road with my bike and I am loving that – it gives me a
lot of pleasure.”
No: 272
Rider: Ezelda van Jaarsveld
Age: 39
Hometown: Pretoria, South Africa
Occupation: Operations Manager
Quote:
“My biggest adventure has been the International BMW GS Trophy Female
Team Qualifier! I’m looking forward to getting to know the motorcycle,
improve my riding skills and meet other riders.”
No: 273
Rider: Linda Steyn
Age: 48
Hometown: Kempton Park, South Africa
Occupation: Physiotherapist
Quote:
“My biggest adventure has been riding the remote areas of South
Africa and surrounding countries with my hubby and awesome friends.”
Find all information about the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy
2018 Central Asia at the dedicated website www.gstrophy.com.
Find press material on BMW motorcycle, Original BMW Motorrad
accessories and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group
PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
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