The 2024 BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy returned to Africa for the first time since 2008, covering a challenging 1,350 km journey through Namibia. Held on September 15, 2024, this year’s event tested the skills, endurance, and teamwork of participants aboard the BMW R 1300 GS Trophy Competition. Team India finished 10th overall, marking their best performance since they began participating in the GS Trophy in 2018.

Day 1

The adventure began at Ai Aiba with a demanding 270 km ride that included 240 km off-road and 30 km on tarmac, featuring two special stages.

The first challenge took place at an abandoned copper mine, where riders faced a course with sand, steps, drops, and tight turns, culminating in a sprint to ring a bell. Following this, teams journeyed 200 km to the second stage, which involved navigating a dry riverbed with deep sand. By the end of Day 1,

Team South Africa led the men’s category with 41 points, followed closely by Team Germany with 31. Team India tied for 11th place with South Korea and Japan.

In the women’s category, Team Japan led with 41 points, while Benelux and France were close behind with 37 and 36 points, respectively.

Day 2

Day 2 began in Spitzkoppe, transitioning from the dry grounds of Ai Aiba to a 180 km off-road route featuring two special stages. The first stage required competitors to hoist their motorcycles from one ledge to another using a ropeway.

The second stage involved looping around a massive granite rock and following a bicycle trail back to the start.

By the end of the day, the standings in the men’s category remained unchanged, but in the women’s category, Germany tied with Japan for first place, each with 71 points.

Day 3

The third day commenced with a 45 km ride from Spitzkoppe to the Omaruru riverbank, featuring three special stages.

The first was a treasure hunt, followed by a tyre repair challenge, and concluded with a timed relay on a trials course in deep sand.

Team India excelled on this day, rising to 5th place overall, while South Africa maintained the lead in the men’s category. The International Team topped the women’s category, with France, Japan, and Germany close behind.

Day 4

On Day 4, riders undertook a 244 km journey from Kleine Spitzkoppe to Swakopmund, which included two special stages.

The first required teams to tow a teammate for 50 meters to simulate a bike running out of fuel, while the second was a time trial involving sharp turns and rock climbs. Germany took the lead in the men’s category, overtaking South Africa, while Team India faced challenges due to a technical error and dropped to 10th overall. France took the lead in the women’s category, followed by Germany and Japan.

Day 5

Day 5 featured a lengthy 430 km ride back to Midgard, with three special stages.

The first involved push-starting bikes on a steep downhill, followed by a questionnaire about BMW Motorrad’s history, and concluding with a slow trial to complete a course as slowly as possible without penalties. Germany extended its lead, while Team India moved up two spots to secure 8th place overall, just 7 points behind third place.

In the women’s category, France maintained its lead.

Day 6

The final day consisted of a 50 km stretch of steep, rocky trails leading to the ultimate challenge, which included multiple drills like riding up steep sand banks and navigating broken terrain.

Unfortunately, Team India got stuck on a sandy incline and couldn’t finish in time.

Ultimately, Germany emerged as the champion in the men’s category, while the International Team claimed victory in the women’s category. Team India concluded the event in 10th place, achieving their best result in the GS Trophy to date.