South Africans Make History in Albania, Two Teams Won GS Trophy 2022

Photo Credit: BMW Motorrad

This year the GS Trophy was won by two South African teams; the women’s team won the first-ever Women’s GS Trophy in Albania.

Albania (12 September 2022) – Both the male and female riders for South Africa earned the top spots at the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2022 in Albania. The teams made South African history with the double title win.

This was the first year that the women’s event took place, and six incredible countries took part. The men’s event saw fifteen teams take part. The event is aimed at Enduro riders who specialise in riding GS bikes. It is considered a “once in a lifetime” event.

Hanneli Zondagh, a rider for the South African Women’s team, said the teamwork that went into their win was incredible and that as more women get a taste of this sport, the greater the future looks.

“It just shows what teamwork can do if you just don’t give up. It’s been a great competition, we’ve really enjoyed our times with the other female teams, they’ve been incredible, and so much fun. And what a great thing to do; once women have been exposed to this great sport and pastime of adventure motorcycling they see how fantastic it is, how liberating, that you ride, you see the world, you meet new people, see different places, even in your own country. It’s a wonderful thing.”

The International GS Trophy took place in Albania from the 4th to the 10th of September 2022. This was the first event since 2020, so the teams were very excited to take part.

“Seven days of pure adventure. Seven days that took two years of preparation. Seven days that change lives. Each rider only has one opportunity to take part in the International GS Trophy. But it is not a classic competition – these intense challenges, in which participants demonstrate their knowledge and riding prowess, are all about team spirit and skill. And the journey is made memorable by nights in the tent under the stars, unique landscapes and cultures, as well as new friends from all over the world – the #SpiritOfGS doesn’t get much better than this.” – BMW Motorrad.

Regional races take place in each competing country, and then a team is selected from each to take part in the final, global event.

The South African teams are over the moon for the win and even more so as it is a double win! South African Men’s rider Warren Ventner shared what the win felt like.

“This is amazing, we didn’t expect this, last night we were doing the numbers and we knew it wasn’t a certain thing. It came down to the last challenge. So we are really stoked. And to take the fourth win is great, there was that pressure not to be ‘that’ team – the one’s who didn’t win – but we said to ourselves we’ll do the best we can and whatever comes up, comes up. Also, we want to thank everyone who’s supported us back at home, they really help make this happen.”

Take a look at the winning South African teams in the farewell video from BMW Motorrad below.

Or check out this video featuring all the South African goodness!