Team India Chosen For BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy

Three BMW GS riders - Winston Lee from Mumbai, Suprej Venkat from Coimbatore, and Sanket Shanbhag from Satara, have been selected for BMW Motorrad "Team India". A fourth rider, Uttham Mutthappa, from Bengaluru, has been chosen as a stand-in rider, as per International GS Trophy rules. As many as 40 BMW GS motorcycle owners from across India participated at the three-day International GS Trophy qualifier in India. After three days of training, riding, adventure and a spectacular finale on Sunday, October 29, the trio of riders were selected to represent India at the International GS Trophy 2018 in Mongolia.

The GS Trophy included obstacle challenges that tested riding skills

"The International GS Trophy is an integral part of the culture of BMW Motorrad and for our GS customers. We are ecstatic to introduce GS Trophy qualifiers for our GS customers in India. The BMW Motorrad community in India has truly engaged with the spirit of the GS Trophy and we are sure that this success story will continue for a long time. From the very start, this unique 'qualifier' has been inspiring, given that the BMW GS Motorcycle riders come from all across India and are united by their love of riding BMW GS motorcycles," said Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India.

One of the toughest challenges at the GS Trophy Qualifier was the "coffee griner"

The first two days at the GS Trophy qualifier in India started with the training of GS riders and Indian national qualifier of BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy. The final day concluded with the announcement of 'Team India' winners. Throughout the duration of the GS trophy qualifier in India, there were range of exhilarating on and off-road challenges held over two competition days like slalom, parallel logs, walk the bike over stones, stop in a slope, coffee grinder, elephant turn, tyre mamba, slow race, walk a circle, the garage as well as practical, teamwork and navigation tests around the region.

Winston Lee rode steadily and overcame most of the challenges

"It's an absolute honour to be representing India at the International GS Trophy in Mongolia. But it's going to be tough against the best riders from around the world. The plan is to train for the next few months, and give our best shot," said Winston Lee, Team India, BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy.

"Well, looks like I'll have to apply for more leave now," said Suprej Venkat, Team India, BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy.

"It's certainly a matter of pride and honour to be representing the country. Now the challenge is to improve fitness and train hard for the next few months for the ultimate challenge in Mongolia next year," Venkat added.

The Indian riders will compete against the best teams from across the world

The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2018 will be held in Mongolia for 10 days: 7 days riding + 2 days in- and outbound journey + 1-day briefing). These lucky - talented - three will be fully equipped by BMW Motorrad for the adventure ahead, flown to Mongolia and each presented with a brand new personalized BMW GS motorcycle to ride for the duration of the event. Team India will compete against other teams from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Latin America, Mexico, Russia, Southeast Asia, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Team India will now be trained by BMW Motorrad India for the finale in Mongolia

The GS Trophy is not a race, but the special stages confront the participants with a major physical and mental challenge: often described as the adventure of a lifetime. It is a competition wherein riders enjoy a near-2000km adventure ride, mostly ridden off-road. Along the way they compete in a series of challenges that are consistent with the BMW GS lifestyle and designed to exercise their intellectual, riding and navigation skills, their knowledge of, and ability to live in, the natural world - and their ability to come together as a team.