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Japanese team chosen for GS Trophy

09/07/2010
Following an exciting Japanese GS Challenge event in Hidatakayama, where 320 riders took part and 80 of them signed up for the GS Trophy national qualifying competition, three riders have now been chosen to represent Japan at the International GS Trophy finals in southern Africa in November.

The GS Trophy selection event took place as part of the annual GS Challenge Japan, so as well as this national qualification selection event there were also lots of skill challenge events, and touring activities on offer.

The multi-task format of the Japanese GS Trophy qualifiers meant that contenders had to face a series of challenges designed to find the best all-round off-road competitors. The first trial took place on a straight dirt road, with contestants required to ride at full speed to a given point, then apply their brakes as hard as possible. Time and stopping distance were recorded.
 
The second challenge was all about balance and smooth riding skills. Contestants were required to strap an open bottle filled with water to the handlebars of their motorcycle, and then negotiate a special course without spilling too much water. The winners were decided by not only the time taken to complete the course, but also the amount of water lost.
 
The third challenge was an orienteering one, where the participants were divided into groups and given a map to help them find cards within a certain area. They then had to write what was written on the cards on their score sheet within one hour. Points were allocated according to the distance of the cards as well as the difficulty to find them.
 
Challenge number four was known as the ‘Pumpkin Carriage’, where contestants were divided into teams of four and were given the task of pushing an F 800 GS up a hill, without any engine power! Scoring this challenge was simple – the fastest team would win…

For the final trial, all participants were required to ride an F 800 GS on a difficult, mountainous off-road course close to where many contestants and spectators had been camping. The nightime rain, as well as heavy vegetation made it almost impossible for contestants to even finish the course, but in the end all the scores were added up and the three participants who will go through to the finals in South Africa were announced.

The deserved winners of the GS Trophy Final in Japan are Koji Yamauchi, Shigechika Aikawa and Yoshio Nakai. The three winners received their awards from Andrea Clerici from Metzelerand Director of BMW Motorrad Japan Mr Reinert.