Team Germany (Men’s) and Team Europe (Women’s) won the 10th BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy, held in Romania September 13-18.
Photos Courtesy of BMW Motorrad
The qualifying rounds did not include the USA this year; however, two Americans qualified through the open International Qualifier, held at Enduro Park Hechlingen in Germany last year. Representing the USA on Team International were Stephanie Townsend in the Women’s division and Jordan Wiley in Men’s.
This year’s edition was more technical than ever, with narrow forest trails, washed-out mountain paths, riverbeds and high-altitude routes. After six days and approximately 930 miles, Team Germany (Fabi Fenner, Norman Pleissner, Flo Thomann) won the Men’s competition with 203 points, while Team Europe (Chrissie Harcourt and Anja Filak) won the Women’s competition with 200 points.
The Women’s competition was decided only in the final challenge, with Colorado’s Townsend and teammate Eduarda “Duda” Mikulski from Brazil on Team International entering the final day ahead of Team Europe by just two points.
Shifting weather and a midday downpour made for treacherous conditions for the final 75-mile loop and grassy hillclimbs through the narrow mountain ridges and the “Maze,” a technical obstacle course enclosed by ribbons. In the end, Team Europe secured a narrow victory over Team International.
With the podium finish, Townsend cements her place in the history books as the highest-placing American woman in the event’s history. The men’s Team International placed seventh. CN
