Aussie rider makes BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Female Team

Australia’s Amy Harburg has been selected for the BMW International GS Trophy team.

From September 13 to 15 at the Country Trax Off-road Riding Academy in South Africa ten female GS riders from UK, France, Spain, Iceland, USA, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, Australia and South Africa have been battled it out for the ultimate prize – a place on the first ever female team to contest the 2016 International GS Trophy in Southeast Asia from February February 28 to March 5, 2016.

After an intense series of 13 separate challenges held over three competition days, France's Stephanie Bouisson emerged as the overall winner, followed by Australia's Amy Harburg in second place, with South Africa's Morag Campbell close behind in third.

From the initial applications, a jury decided on a shortlist of the ten most suitable females to go to South Africa for the qualifying event. The ten girls came from all continents (Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Australasia), with ages ranging from 26 to 46 years-old.

Commenting on this GS Trophy experience, head of BMW Motorrad Marketing Dr. Ralf  Rodepeter praised all the ladies for their phenomenal efforts and commitment, stating that: "All these ladies are winners, just to have made it to South Africa to compete in the qualifier. There has been a true spirit and sense of camaraderie shown by all the competitors, who have been fighting until the end but have supported each other throughout all the challenges.

"For sure there have to be three lucky ones who get the chance to go to Thailand, but all ten should consider themselves winners for the way they have come together as a family and demonstrated the unique GS spirit. We truly hope that these amazing ambassadors will take this passion back to their respective countries and riding communities, and will encourage even more women to embrace the GS lifestyle."

Amy Harburg was understandably elated with making the team. "I was so excited about coming here for this qualifying event. I had high expectations for myself, but it was hard to gauge what the other girls would be like until we were all together. But my expectations were definitely exceeded by the time we've spent in South Africa and to actually make the team is amazing for me. I can't wait to go to Thailand and show BMW enthusiasts worldwide how these GS bikes can be ridden and what we can all do together. My team-mates are incredible so I can't wait to be part of the first ever women's team with them," she said.

Overall standings and points:
1. Stephanie Bouisson (France) - 1931 pts.
2. Amy Harburg (Australia) - 2098 pts.
3. Morag Campbell (South Africa) - 2153 pts.
4. Jennifer Huntley (UK) - 2824 pts.
5. Inga Birna Erlingsdottir (Iceland) - 3046 pts.
6. Iciar Tatay (Spain) - 3280 pts.
7. Caroline Stevenson (Canada) - 3415 pts.
8. Kim Krause (USA) - 4146 pts.
9. Rosa Freitag (Brazil) - 5621 pts.
10. Dusita Nasuriyawong (Thailand) - retired.

For further information go to: www.gstrophy.com