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Press Information 16 March 2010
BMW Motorrad GS Trophy UK Event
It could be you - amateur riders to represent UK at the International GS Trophy Finals
BMW is celebrating 30 years of the iconic ‘Gelande-Strasse’ (GS) in 2010. To mark the occasion, BMW Motorrad UK has teamed up with Simon Pavey and the BMW Off Road Skills School to host the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy UK Qualifier; a unique sporting challenge which will culminate with three amateur British riders being selected to represent the UK at the International GS Trophy Finals in November 2010.
The GS Trophy UK, taking place on 31 July / 01 August 2010 at BMW Off Road Skills’ base in South Wales, is Britain’s only national qualifying round for this major international motorcycle competition. Open to all owners of BMW GS motorcycles, the two-day UK qualifier will put participants through a series of on and off-road challenges, combining team work and mental and physical tests. Riders will also be judged on their ability to negotiate hazards and obstacles over varying cross-country terrain.
The courses and tests, designed by seven-times Dakar competitor Pavey and his team of expert instructors, will take place around the stunning Walters Arena. The emphasis will be on skill, rather than speed, with activities devised for riders of all abilities in a challenging, yet safe and friendly environment. However, the ultimate aim is to select a three man team to compete for the coveted International GS Trophy against other amateur riders from nations such as Italy, Germany, Spain, Japan and the USA. The three winners will be flown at BMW expense to an exotic location (provisionally South Africa, but to be confirmed) for 11-21 November , issued with full riding kit and compete in the GS Trophy Finals on BMW’s F 800 GS machines.
With entries accepted on a first-come-first-served basis*, the UK qualifier will be limited to a maximum of 200 participants**, who will be required to ride their own GS motorcycles around a cross-country course***. The course will include several observed sections, which competitors will be required to complete ‘feet up’ (on the pegs) in order to avoid being docked penalty points. All participants will ride the same number of laps, with the riders accumulating the lowest number of penalty points topping the leader board.
Riders will also be required to navigate their way around approximately 100 kilometres of road and trails, taking in some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in South Wales. This will be completed in teams of three, with points deducted for failing to follow the correct route, missing passage controls, or failing to complete the route in the allocated time.
On the afternoon of the second day, the top 20 riders will progress to the Grand Final where they will tackle a further number of observed sections and skills tests on a standard GS motorcycle, provided by the organisers. The top three riders will be selected from these final skill tests.
The GS Trophy was first introduced in 2008, giving the worldwide community of GS riders the opportunity to experience a unique off-road adventure: a sporting competition defined by a powerful sense of team spirit. The 10-day Final, featuring teams from around the world, will be a challenging test of physical rigor, technical ability, and riding skills – combined with great camaraderie and a rewarding sense of achievement.
Tony Jakeman, Marketing Manager of BMW Motorrad UK, said, “BMW Motorrad UK and BMW Off Road Skills will endeavour to capture the spirit of the GS Trophy at the UK Qualifier. While ultimately there will be a winner, the national qualifying event is all about GS enthusiasts coming together and enjoying the opportunity to take part in a unique off-road event. Anyone with minimal off-road experience will be eligible to participate, such as those who have completed the Level One course at Si Pavey’s BMW Off Road Skills school.”
Simon Pavey, Chief Instructor of the BMW Off Road Skills school, said, “Three riders from the GS Trophy UK Qualifier will be selected to go on and represent their country at the International Finals. However, this event is more about providing GS riders of all abilities with a fantastic two-day experience. There really will be something for everyone. With overnight camping, evening entertainment and more than 200 riders and their guests coming together, the GS Trophy UK Qualifier will be a celebration of off-road riding and the BMW GS.”
Aside from the competition itself, there will be numerous activities to enjoy and participate in throughout the GS Trophy UK Qualifier weekend. Current plans include ‘Off Road Try Outs’ for those with little or no off-road experience, evening talks and BMW test rides. Full details of further activities will be announced in due course.
The entry fee for participants is £250 per person and includes:
- Competition fees
- Camping fees
- Showers and toilet facilities
- Access to all on site activities and entertainment
- Breakfast - Saturday and Sunday morning
- Lunch - Saturday and Sunday
- Evening meal Saturday night Access to Walters Arena and all on site activities and entertainment
The entry fee for guests and non-competitors is £100 and includes:
- Camping fees
- Showers and toilet facilities
- Access to all on site activities and entertainment
- Breakfast - Saturday and Sunday morning
- Lunch - Saturday and Sunday
- Evening meal Saturday night
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<td align="right" height="19" valign="top"><font face="Verdana" size="1">*</font></td>
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<td height="19" valign="top"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Terms and conditions of entry apply: visit www.WorldofBMW.com</font></td>
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<td align="right" height="27" valign="top"><font face="Verdana" size="1">**</font></td>
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<td height="27" valign="top"><font face="Verdana" size="1">The event is designed for hobby and amateur motorcyclists. Riders competing as experts or above, in any form of off-road motorcycling, should not take part. The Organisers reserve the right to refuse or accept entries without dispute</font></td>
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<td align="right" height="21" valign="top"><font face="Verdana" size="1">***</font></td>
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<td height="21" valign="top"><font face="Verdana" size="1">A limited number of BMW Off Road Skills motorcycles will be available for hire</font></td>
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For further information, or to register your place on the 2010 BMW Motorrad GS Trophy UK Qualifier, visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/gstrophy or phone the World of BMW on 08000 131 282.
