The International GS Trophy
The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy is much more than just a competition – it’s a tribute to the adventurous spirit that has always set BMW’s GS models apart. Since its début in 2008 in Tunisia, the International GS Trophy has become one of the most significant events for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. But when did this fascinating journey begin? And what makes the International GS Trophy so special?
The origins of the International GS Trophy
BMW Motorrad brought the first International GS Trophy to life in 2008 to celebrate the “Spirit of GS” – a mixture of a thirst for adventure, riding skills, and team spirit. Africa, more precisely Tunisia, served as the backdrop for this début and laid the foundation for a tradition that is still honoured to this day. The idea was to bring riders from different countries together to tackle challenging off-road trails together, to participate in team challenges each day, and to encourage cultural exchange.
A tribute to adventure
”One for all – the GS
One for all – the GS
The GS models from BMW have embodied an unadulterated thirst for adventure for over 40 years. They are reliable companions that safely bring their riders across endless roads, through dusty deserts and over steep mountain passes – versatile and robust. They are designed to deliver equally outstanding performance, both on asphalt and off-road. It’s not about speed; rather, it’s about the optimal interplay of rider and bike in demanding terrain.
Adventure without limits: The International GS Trophy on a world tour
Over the years, the International GS Trophy has travelled to some of the most breathtaking and challenging regions in the world. In 2010, the route took participants through South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique, where they experienced the diversity of African landscapes with its savannah regions, mountains and coastlines. Two years later, the spectacular Andean passes and windswept heights of Patagonia in South America offered the riders a particularly impressive backdrop.
In 2014, the GS Trophy was held in Canada, where the dense forests and demanding trails put the riders’ skills to the test. 2016’s International GS Trophy event was the first to be held on Asian soil – the participants fought their way through tropical jungles and the mountainous landscape of northern Thailand. Mongolia was the next stop in 2018, with its endless steppes and captivating horizons, offering new challenges. Two years later, in 2020, it was held in New Zealand, where the diverse landscapes with mountains, coasts and forests made for spectacular memories on what was the longest tour to date.
In 2022, the GS Trophy took place in Albania – a country that left the participants with lifelong memories thanks to its untouched natural beauty and challenging mountain ranges. In 2024, the International GS Trophy returned to Africa, this time to Namibia. Everything came full circle, and the participants once again saw the impressive desert and savannah landscapes that made the International GS Trophy adventure an unforgettable experience.
The Int. GS Trophy celebrates a thirst for adventure, riding skills and team spirit.
Who can take part?
Who can take part?
The International GS Trophy is open to ambitious amateurs who want to prove their abilities. The path to taking part begins with national qualification events, in which riders’ skills in the fields of off-road riding techniques, navigation and teamwork are put to the test. The best participants from these qualification rounds eventually form the teams that will represent their respective countries at the International GS Trophy.
Overcoming limitations: the challenges of the International GS Trophy
Overcoming limitations: the challenges of the International GS Trophy
The International GS Trophy is known for its demanding routes that take riders over sand dunes, rocky mountain passes, right up to dense jungles. In addition to just riding skills, these events also require agility, technical understanding and teamwork. The participants must complete several special tests each day that challenge them both mentally and physically. These tests demonstrate both the versatility of the GS models and the endurance of the riders.
Experiences don’t get more rich than this
Experiences don’t get more rich than this
The International GS Trophy is more than just an international competition; it is a festival of motorcycle culture and off-road adventures. It offers riders the opportunity to test their limits, make new friends, and experience the world from a unique perspective. The mixture of athletic challenges, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to explore spectacular landscapes makes the International GS Trophy into an unrivalled adventure that embodies the true spirit of the BMW GS.
