The 10th BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy got underway yesterday in Romania’s Transylvanian region. The participants face six days and around 1500 challenging kilometres through the Carpathians. This year, eight national or regional qualifiers have produced 13 international teams, eight of which are three-person male teams and five two-person female teams—all together 30 riders from 13 nations.
The qualifying rounds for the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2026 did not include the USA this year, however two Americans qualified through the open International Qualifier, held at Enduro Park/Hechlingen in Germany.
Representing the USA on Team International are Stephanie Townsend (#821) and Jordan Wiley (#930).
Townsend, has more than 30 years of riding experience, competed in District 37 desert races and is a member of the Colorado GS Girls. She is part owner of the F.A.R.M. off-road training facility in Colorado, and is a certified public accountant.
Wiley also has decades of riding experience and is a lifelong dirt-bike enthusiast. He is a firefighter and paramedic captain in Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife and two kids.
Townsend is joined on the Women’s team by Brazilian Eduarda “Duda” Mikulski (822), while Wiley’s teammates on the Men’s team are Ivan Morozov (931) of Uzbekistani and Aloisio Frazao (932) from Brazil.
The following is a press release from BMW…
Colțești, Romania (September 14, 2026) — The 10th BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy got underway yesterday. Camped on the edge of the village of Coltesti, overlooked by a 13th-century clifftop fortress, deep in the Transylvanian region, the competitors are surrounded by a natural wilderness landscape. Encircled by the Carpathian mountains and some of Europe’s few great undisturbed natural forests—home to apex predators such as grey wolves and brown bears, in their thousands—this is a rare European wilderness.
Rugged terrain in the form of dense forests, gravel roads, river crossings, and mountainous ascents and descents will challenge the riders in the coming days. A perfect tableau on which to showcase the impressive on- and off-road capabilities of the latest GS Trophy Competition Bike, the BMW R 12 G/S.
The BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy is emphatically not a race: outright speed, fastest times and individual victory are not what define success. Instead, it is a shared adventure that rewards precise riding, sound judgement, endurance and, above all, the ability to work as a team. Participants support one another, solve practical and intellectual challenges together and demonstrate the camaraderie, resilience and mutual respect at the heart of the international GS community. While teams collect points during special tests, these challenges are designed to showcase well-rounded adventure-riding skills rather than racing performance.
Over the weekend, participants completed registration and medical checks, as well as the individual fitting of their protective and riding equipment. After the SENA communication systems had been integrated, they took delivery of their personalized BMW R 12 G/S motorcycles. A welcome dinner and team introductions on Saturday set the stage for the start on Sunday morning.
This year, eight national or regional qualifiers have produced 13 international teams, eight of which are three-person male teams and five two-person female teams—all together 30 riders from 13 nations. Some 30 individuals who will need all their riding skills, their inner strength and outgoing team-working capability to succeed in this ever-testing adventure motorcycling competition.
Martin Schleypen, Event Director and Head of Brand Management, BMW Motorrad, speaking from base camp:
“The GS Trophy brings together people from all around the world who share a common passion: adventure, adventure riding, and the BMW GS. It is far more than a competition. It is about team spirit, international friendships, and shared experiences that continue to resonate long after the event has ended.
For me, this unique sense of community is what truly defines the magic of the GS Trophy.”
Adventure riding without limits.
The participants face six days and around 1500 challenging kilometers through the Carpathians. Roughly half of the route runs off paved roads, taking in steep sections, rugged mountain trails and dense forest tracks. The winding asphalt roads also demand maximum concentration due to the challenging topography.
Daily competition challenges test riding, practical and mental skills—essential qualities for adventure riders operating in remote regions.
The tenth edition is held under the motto “Back to Basics”: demanding rides through mountain and forest terrain, teamwork and the certainty that the unexpected is always just around the corner.
Host country Romania captivates with its rich traditions, fascinating history and warm hospitality—a far more authentic experience than the fantasy imagery shaped by Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The teams.
It’s time to meet the GS riders. Below is a full list of the teams, the participants, with a little background on each about their lives as GS riders and the excitement of attending the most prestigious GS event in the world:
Team Germany
No. 900
Rider: Fabi Fenner
Nationality: German
Age: 27
Occupation: Automotive mechatronics technician
Background:
Introduced to trials riding by his father, this sparked his interest in motorcycles. Fabi brings practical know-how and a grounded enthusiasm for riding to the GS Trophy stage.
No. 901
Rider: Norman Pleissner
Nationality: German
Age: 33
Occupation: Full-time traveler-explorer
Background:
Norman is an adventurer currently traveling through North and South America on his BMW F 800 GS, having been introduced to motorcycling by his wife. Inspired by photography, wildlife and the spirit of exploration, he sees the GS Trophy as a chance to deepen his off-road skills and live the true spirit of GS.
No. 902
Rider: Flo Thomann (KOL)
Nationality: German
Age: 31
Occupation: Service advisor / motorcycle mechanic
Background:
Flo is a service advisor and motorcycle mechanic from a family with generations of BMW riders. Family, craftsmanship and lifelong motorcycle roots define his path into the GS community.
Team Germany Women
No: 801
Rider: Jasmin Habegger
Nationality: German
Age: 40
Occupation: Talent acquisition leader
Background:
Jasmin is a talent acquisition leader and long-distance triathlete. Motorcycling was a childhood dream that became real in 2020, and her BMW journey is now shaped by off-road parks, adventure camps and European trails.
No: 802
Rider: Katrin Blümel
Nationality: German
Age: 50
Occupation: Orthopaedic technician
Background:
Katrin is an orthopaedic technician, beekeeper and mother of three. After 20 years with BMW and a later move into off-road riding, she brings patience, curiosity and deep brand loyalty to Team Germany.
Team Europe
No: 910
Rider: Marcin Rak
Nationality: Polish
Age: 41
Occupation: Soldier
Background:
Marcin is a soldier and adventure rider. Drawn to sport, discipline and the legendary GS, he brings a strong team mindset and a love of ADV riding to Team Europe.
No: 911
Rider: Thomas Evrard
Nationality: Belgian
Age: 39
Occupation: On-road motorcycle instructor
Background:
Thomas is an on-road motorcycle instructor whose life revolves around riding. With experience around world-level enduro and a long connection to BMW road bikes, he brings professional skill and broad sporting curiosity to the GS Trophy.
No: 912
Rider: Remy Zwemmer (KOL)
Nationality: Dutch
Age: 31
Occupation: Technical management
Background:
Remy combines technical management, filming, travel and adventure. From early two-wheel fascination to training on a 2005 GS, his story is built around exploration, creativity and loyalty to GS riding (having participated in the 2022 Int GS Trophy in Albania).
Team Europe Women
No: 811
Rider: Anja Flak
Nationality: Dutch
Age: 40
Occupation: IT application administrator
Background:
Anna is an IT application administrator whose motorcycle dream began in childhood. A personal turning point shifted her path from choppers toward adventure riding, where she found a new direction step by step on a GS.
No: 812
Rider: Chrissie Harcourt
Nationality: British
Age: 37
Occupation: Arborist
Background:
Chrissie is an arborist and adventurous mother. After starting riding enduro in 2023 she came to adventure bikes full of drive, entering the GS Trophy qualifier after encouragement from fellow riders and found lasting friendships along the way.
BMW Motorrad note:
Chrissie met Fionn Griffiths on a road trip to the International Qualifier in Germany. They became friends. Fionn originally made place 1 at the qualifier and was supposed to come to Romania. Only Fionn, with previous experience of international competition in mountain biking gave her place up so Chrissie could take the place instead and experience what it’s like to be in an exciting international event.
Team Ukraine
No: 920
Rider: Ed Pozniak
Age: 32
Nationality: Ukrainian
Occupation: Motorcycle mechanic
Background:
Eduard is a motorcycle mechanic with a love for travel and adventure. His passion began through family and grew through friendships that opened the door to the BMW Motorrad community.
No: 921
Rider: Vasyl Onyshcenko
Nationality: Ukrainian
Age: 45
Occupation: works in the metallurgical industry
Background:
Vasyl works in the metallurgical industry and enjoys family travel and skiing. Taught to ride by his father at age 13, he brings lifelong motorcycle roots and a steady adventurous spirit.
No: 922
Rider: Artem Cherepenko
Nationality: Ukrainian
Age: 32
Occupation: BMW Motorrad professional in Ukraine
Background:
Artem is a BMW Motorrad professional and KOL with a deep passion for sport, travel and community building. From childhood motorcycles to helping develop GS riding culture in Ukraine, his story is one of dedication, growth and leadership.
Team International
No: 930
Rider: Jordan Wiley
Nationality: American
Age: 42
Occupation: Firefighter and paramedic captain.
Background:
Jordan is a firefighter and paramedic captain, family man and lifelong dirt-bike enthusiast. Big motorcycle journeys introduced him to BMW adventure riding, and he now sees the GS Trophy as his greatest adventure yet.
No: 931
Rider: Ivan Morozov
Nationality: Uzbekistani
Age: 35
Occupation: CEO of a regenerative medicine company
Background:
Ivan is an entrepreneur leading an international regenerative medicine company. A childhood dream of motorcycling grew into a passion for freedom, travel and the global adventure spirit of the GS—and after seeing the GS Trophy in 2014—the BMW GS Trophy too.
No: 932
Rider: Aloisio Frazão (KOL)
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 52
Occupation: Manager of courses, expeditions and events for BMW Motorrad Brazil
Background:
Aloisio’s GS Trophy experience, as a finalist in the 2012 Int GS Trophy reshaped his career. After years in branding and advertising, he now works with BMW Motorrad Brazil, sharing riding courses, expeditions and the GS spirit with others.
Team International Women
No: 821
Rider: Stephanie Townsend
Nationality: American
Age: 54
Occupation: Accountant
Background:
Stephanie is a certified public accountant and business owner. Her late husband sparked her motorcycle interest, and a 2006 R 1200 GS became her first adventure bike after Long Way Round inspired the leap.
No: 822
Rider: Eduarda Mikulski
Nationality: Brazilian
Age: 35
Occupation: Civil engineer
Background:
Eduarda is a civil engineer whose life has always been connected to the sound of motorcycles. Travel led her to big trail bikes, and discovering the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy influenced her first BMW choice.
Team South Korea
No: 940
Rider: Chanju Jeong
Nationality: South Korean
Age: 37
Occupation: Rider with National Petition Police
Background:
Chanju is a rider from the National Petition Police. Captivated by the R1250GS at first sight, he comes to the GS Trophy ready to take on a major life challenge.
No: 941
Rider: Yuonsoon Choi
Nationality: South Korean
Age: 39
Occupation: Locksmith
Background
Yuonsoon is a locksmith and problem-solver with a strong off-road mindset. For him, motorcycles represent freedom, resilience and constant learning, while the BMW GS stands for global adventure and shared spirit.
No: 942
Rider: Hongjun Choi (KOL)
Nationality: South Korean
Age: 49
Occupation: Freelance journalist
Background
Hongjun is a freelance journalist with a love for the ocean and the outdoors. A childhood comic book sparked his motorcycle dream, and BMW’s safety, technology and heritage match the lifestyle he wants to live.
Team Japan
No: 950
Rider: Tsuyoshi Sugimoto
Nationality: Japanese
Age: 51
Occupation: Automotive professional
Background:
Tsuyoshi is an automotive professional with motorcycles woven into his family history. For him, a rider since the age of 16, the GS is the ultimate travel motorcycle and a gateway to a worldwide community built on respect, exploration and growth.
No: 951
Rider: Yoshihiro Kon
Nationality: Japanese
Age: 43
Occupation: Medical device sales manager
Background:
Yoshihiro is a medical device sales manager who loves camping, trekking and fishing with his family. Introduced to motorcycles as a child, he found the F800GS ideal for long touring and off-road exploration with his wife.
No: 952
Rider: Hiroshi Maruyama
Nationality: Japanese
Age: 62
Occupation: Journalist
Background:
Hiroshi Maruyama is a former racer, now a journalist and head of an automotive and motorcycle tuning/event company. Introduced to motorcycles by a friend and to BMW by BMW Japan, he brings a media perspective and seasoned curiosity to the GS Trophy community.
Team China
No: 960
Rider: Wanzi Chen
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 43
Occupation: Businessman
Background:
Wanzi is a businessman who values fitness, safety and adventure. Drawn to BMW for its confidence-inspiring character, he brings energy and a personal sense of freedom to Team China.
No: 961
Rider: Jihao Zhang
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 46
Occupation: Motorcycle specialist
Background
Jihao is a motorcycle specialist, event planner and ECU tuning expert. After decades of riding, GS dealer events and qualifier experiences turned BMW into a source of confidence, community and lasting friendships.
No: 962
Rider: Chi Zhang (KOL)
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 47
Occupation: Motorcycle media specialist
Background:
Chi is a motorcycle media professional, enjoying reading history books when not riding. A secret childhood ride gave him the feeling of flight, and BMW Motorrad’s dedication and positive spirit continue to inspire him.
Team China Women
No: 831
Rider: Weizhu Kong
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 50
Occupation: Works in advertising
Background:
Weizhu works in advertising and also enjoys reading and travel. A lifelong love of motorcycles and off-road riding connects her with BMW’s strong brand presence and adventure identity.
No: 832
Rider: Yue Qiu
Nationality: Chinese
Age: 31
Occupation: Off-road motorcycle marketing
Background:
Yue is an off-road marketing and content professional whose life revolves around bikes. From childhood rides with her father to creating events and social media content, she brings authentic off-road energy and deep GS enthusiasm.
Team Australia
No: 970
Rider: Darcy Edgar
Nationality: Australian
Age: 29
Occupation: Carpenter
Background:
Darcy is a travelling carpenter, musician, surfer and explorer. Motorcycles have been part of his life since childhood, and a friend’s encouragement brought him into the GS Trophy adventure.
No: 971
Rider: Lach Haskins
Nationality: Australian
Age: 37
Occupation: Civil construction
Background:
Lachlan is a civil construction business owner and lifelong bike enthusiast. From childhood motocross to adventure riding, he brings family values, practical drive and Australian GS Safari inspiration to the Trophy.
No: 972
Rider: Rob Hamilton (KOL)
Nationality: Australian
Age: 39
Occupation: Motorcycle/car salesman
Background:
Robert is a YouTuber and KOL with a strong interest in cars, motorcycles and sim racing. Drawn in by BMW Motorrad Australia, he sees the R 12 G/S as the adventure bike that fits his future.
Team Australia Women
No: 841
Rider: Rikki Dryden
Nationality: Australian
Age: 42
Occupation: Business services manager
Background:
Rikki is a business services manager. Growing up in the country, she was into riding dirt bikes by her teens; adventure bikes came later, and a BMW GS launch led her into a decade of GS riding. Her journey is defined by gratitude, community and a lifetime commitment to riding.
No: 842
Rider: Lisa Porter
Nationality: Australian
Age: 60
Occupation: Manages a commercial law firm
Background:
Lisa Ann is a commercial law firm manager who loves working on bikes, camping and gardening. Seeking skill, challenge and remote exploration, she moved from road to off-road riding and has stayed loyal to GS ever since.
Find all information about the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2026 Romania at the dedicated website www.gstrophy.com.
Immediately following the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2026 Romania, BMW Motorrad will once again be offering “Follow the Trails” tours: these allow customers to follow in the footsteps of the competition on the original GS Trophy motorcycles.
