“As you set out for Ithaka, hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery.” These words echo across the dawn of the final day, capturing the essence of every journey that brought the riders here. From distant lands, they have traversed trials and terrains, not just in Namibia but in their own worlds of preparation and perseverance. Each twist of the throttle has been a chapter, each obstacle a lesson, and every kilometer ridden, a story etched into the landscape of this adventure.
Now, as they stand on the brink of the last challenge, they know that the true treasure of this journey is not the podium but the friendships forged, the limits surpassed, and the moments that have become memories. Like Odysseus on his path to Ithaka, they’ve come to realize that the greatest victories are the ones found along the road, not just at its end.
The time had come, and they were off! The last day of the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024 arrived sooner than anyone had imagined. It felt like just yesterday that the competitors were arriving here in Midgard, with no speck of dust in their lungs. Now, dust and adventure are part of their every day, ingrained in both rider and machine.
Today’s ride may only be 50 kilometers, but BMW Motorrad has saved one of the toughest for last. The riders departed for a loop around the estate, near the fringes of the Okavango Delta, before returning to the Lodge for the final challenge of the event.
The light morning breeze brought hopes for a less dusty ride, but by now, the dust didn’t matter. The riders, their gear, and the bikes had seen so much of it, they had become one with the earth, carrying the Namibian dust as a badge of honor.
The first part of the loop seemed deceptively easy. Hardpacked trails provided traction, and the riders made good progress despite the loose rocks scattered across the steep uphills. But the respite was short-lived. Soon, loose, large rocks covered the trail, forcing the riders to constantly adjust their lines while the rolling uphills seemed endless. It became clear that BMW had indeed saved the best for last. The motorcycles were at the mercy of the terrain, and only the most experienced riders could navigate these challenges.
The trail was unforgiving. Thorny bushes lined the narrow path, leaving no room for errors. Just like yesterday’s special challenge, the wheels had to keep moving, or the riders would find themselves in deep trouble.
Switchback after switchback, the constant elevation gain meant only one thing: what goes up must come down. And not just once but multiple times, as if they were riding from peak to peak. When the downhills ended, they gave way to sandy, dry creek crossings—not as frequent as in previous days, but enough to remind the riders that they were still very much in Namibia.
It was astonishing to see that the most technical trail of the event had the least amount of sand. It wasn’t just the difficulty but the relentless length of it, stretching over 50 kilometers, pushing the limits of both riders and bikes.
The trail wound its way through the rugged ridges for hours, and after the grueling loop, the riders finally returned to base camp, just in time for lunch and some much-needed rest before the last stage, which would take place within the camp’s premises.
The BMW R 1300 GS has proven to be the perfect companion on this journey, but now it’s time for the riders to put it through the real and final test. Rider Karen Weckx (351) of Female Team Benelux, said: “This trail was really fantastic. I was really having fun. It was a technical ride. I cannot describe it otherwise. The bike felt really comfortable, really powerful and really smooth. The GS can do anything!”
The final special challenge of the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024, aptly named the “Final Course,” was designed to test every skill the riders had honed throughout the competition. Unlike the previous challenges, this time all participants gathered around to witness the event unfold in its entirety, just as they had done in Albania for the 2022 GS Trophy.
The course, though relatively short, brought a unique twist to the competition. It featured three distinct paths, each designed to challenge the riders in different ways. Teams had to strategize and assign each rider to one of the paths based on their strengths, before coming together for a final challenge that would require seamless coordination.
The first path was a steep off-camber climb, leading to a narrow ledge that the rider had to carefully navigate around a flag. The uneven terrain and the incline demanded precise throttle control and balance. The second path, similar to the first, also involved off-camber sections but with two flags to navigate, making it a test of agility and concentration over a shorter but more technical course.
The third path, positioned centrally, was a slalom course marked by a series of tightly spaced cones. This section was all about finesse and control, as riders weaved their way through the cones with precision.
Once each rider had completed their assigned path, they regrouped at the far end of the course for the final segment. Together, they faced another steep off-camber section, and then entered the “garage”—a tight maze of turns that required sharp handling and coordination. The final task was to navigate through the same slalom course as the third rider had, before racing back to the starting point.
The challenge ended when all three riders stopped their bikes and raised their hands in the air. Every dab, out-of-bounds, and bike drop was counted as a penalty, adding an extra layer of pressure as the teams pushed themselves to the limit. With everyone gathered together, the atmosphere was electric, as cheers and encouragement rang out, embodying the true spirit of GS camaraderie. It was a thrilling, nail-biting conclusion to an unforgettable adventure, testing not just the riders’ skills but their teamwork and endurance.
Rider Antoine Saad (241) of Team Middle East, said “We obviously had a tactic for this challenge. We divided the paths according to everyone’s skills. And our strategy worked flawlessly. The most challenging part was the garage, because all three of us would have arrived there at the same time, we decided that one of us would have to burn it. I think we did well.”
And the winner is…
As the final scores were tallied, it became clear that Team Germany had dominated the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024, securing the overall victory in the men’s category. Team South Africa delivered an impressive performance, earning them a strong second place, while Team Brazil, known for their grit and determination, took third place, rounding out the podium with a commendable effort.
For the Female teams, the International Team emerged as the champions, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork. Team Japan continued their strong showing by claiming second place, while Team France secured third.
This year’s competition highlighted the remarkable talent and resilience of all participants, with each team demonstrating outstanding performance and camaraderie throughout the event, making this edition of the GS Trophy one of the most memorable to date.
And as the sun set on the final day, the riders gathered with their hearts full and their spirits lifted by the journey they had shared. They have ridden through sand and stone, braved the winds and heat, and stood shoulder to shoulder against every challenge Namibia has thrown their way. The thrill of victory may belong to a few, but the true rewards are carried by all—the strength discovered, the friendships forged, and the awe-inspiring landscapes etched into their memories.
Each rider will leave with stories that will last a lifetime, not defined by scores or rankings but by the moments of courage, laughter, and camaraderie that have woven this adventure together. And as they reflect on this incredible journey, they will understand that it was never about the destination alone, but the richness of the path they traveled. “And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you. Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.”
Quotes:
Male Winner Team Germany:
Christopher Michi (181): “I feel absolutely incredible! To be here, part of this amazing event, and to win alongside my teammates who have become like family to me—it’s a dream come true. I still can’t believe it’s real.”
Niko Wecker (182): “It’s unbelievable. We’ve been training for one and a half years, pushing ourselves every day for this exact moment, and now that we’ve achieved it, I’m overwhelmed with happiness. This victory means everything to us.”
Jan Stahl (183): “Our hearts were racing, waiting to see if our names would appear on that board. When it finally did, the sense of relief and pride was overwhelming. This is truly beyond anything we could have imagined.”
Female Winner International Team:
Małgorzata Jakubiak (321): “I am beyond thrilled! This feels like a dream come true, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Being here, representing our team and competing at this level, is an incredible honor that I will cherish forever.“
Anna Cárdova (322): “I am over the moon! I never imagined we would come this far, and to be standing here as winners is just surreal. It’s an honor I never expected, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this incredible experience!”
BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2024, Namibia.
Final standings:
Male Teams:
1. Germany, 283 points
2. South Africa, 223
3. Brazil, 177
4. France, 153
5. UK, 150
6. Latin America, 147
7. Italy, 145
8. International Team, 140
9. China, 139
10. India, 134
11. Benelux, 125
12. South Korea, 117
13. Japan, 112
14. Mexico, 107
15. USA, 94
16. Middle East, 93
Female Teams:
1. International, 278
2. Japan, 273
3. France, 267
4. Germany, 263
5. South Korea, 249
