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Biking heaven is hell in Chile

TEMUCO, Chile - After two years of planning and qualifying events around the world attended by riders from 32 countries the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2012 is finally under way at the Trailanqui Resort near Temuco in Chile.

The event has just finished its fourth day with Germany in the lead and Team South Africa 11th.

Freed from the five 12m shipping containers that took them there are the 62 BMW F800GS, 20 R1200 GS Rallye and five BMW G650 GS Sertao motorcycles now taking part in the event.

'EVERYTHING IS READY'

In total, 87 motorcycles and 15 cars are travelling the 2000km route with 114 people, including the 45 competitors, 15 team journalists, two doctors, mechanics and various organisational staff.

Speaking at the start of the event, Michael Trammer, chief organiser of the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy, said:

“Everything is ready at last; the organising staff are all here, the final checks and double-checks have been completed and the riders have arrived from all over the world.

"Ahead of them is a packed eight-day programme of adventure with no time for a rest day like the Dakar! How tiring will this be for the competitors!

“In contrast to the Dakar, the GS Trophy is not a race. Speed is never a relevant factor but nevertheless the Trophy is very challenging: participants have to get up early in the morning, they don’t know which route profile and special tests are awaiting them during the day, and they have to make long distances day by day.

"That adventure starts right here.”

The BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2012 will end on Sunday, December 2 2012.
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