Team Germany has won the third edition of the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy, Ultimate Motorcycling reports. Coming into the final day with a solid 18-point advantage, they remained steady and consistent to the last test in Chile.
Day seven started at the lakeside resort of Magma Lodge in Pucón, Chile, with an early detour to visit the volcano Villarica, where the riders ascended off-road to about 1500 meters above sea level, just below the snow line of the 2840 meter volcano.
The riders then traveled north stopping off for a special test called the Indiana Jones that involved crossing a rope bridge with full cups of water –– looking for a fast time with minimum spillage. Here Team France found the right combination to take the win, ahead of Team CEEU, while Team Germany were able to limit damage to their lead with a third place.
After this came a technical riding section of 150km, on gravel roads, as the course weaved through valleys and forestry, some of it petrified by recent volcanic activity.
The GS Trophy's arrival at the Trailanqui Resort in the afternoon signaled the end of the circuitous adventure that took in nearly 2000 kilometers over seven days of riding in the Patagonian mountain regions of Chile and Argentina.
It was a remarkable journey of discovery, with nearly every extreme weather, from searing sun and choking dust on day one, to the saturating wetness of the rainforest on day five.
However, the event was far from over with the two last tests to come. The first involved pulling an ancient horse cart with an R 1200 GS –– something all but two of the teams achieved without penalty. This was followed by the traditional GS Trophy curtain closer –– the trials test. Here Team USA took a surprise win, but in placing second, ahead of France in third, the German team were confirmed the winners of the 2012 edition of the GS Trophy.
Tobi Weiser of Team Germany said: "I could start crying, that is for sure, words can't describe the feeling, it is just wonderful. Before we came we didn't have a clue that we could win. Even in the first days we could not see how we could win –– to see the French guys riding so well we were not sure how we could match them."
Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad head of sales and marketing said: "It's been amazing to see these people riding through these amazing countries, over the rough trails, through the rainforests and the amazing scenery - and most importantly having fun together."
Tomm Wolf, BMW GS Trophy co- organizer reported: "When I came here I didn't think it was possible to put on an event as good as this, but now it's over and all the riders –– except Marc-André Octeau who was injured on day three –– have come back safely. That is an achievement."––Paul Duchene
2012 BMW GS Trophy Final standings after seven days:
1. Germany 256 points
2. France 238
3. Italy 222
4. Argentina 215
5. Alps 202
6. USA 201
7. Canada 197
8. CEEU 196
9. UK 188
10. Latin America 181
11. South Africa 178
12. Russia 149
13. Brazil 120
14. Spain 109
15. Japan 89
