MCN's BMW GS Trophy diary: Day six

Strong performance sees team UK retain second overall!

If the first day of the GS Trophy event was defined by tough special stages and a slightly compromised route due to rain, the second will be remembered for scorching temperatures, an epic day of riding and yet more tough special stages.

In the opening day the UK team finished fourth in both special stages, giving us an overall placing of second from the 19 teams competing. Sitting behind leaders Argentina, we were then paired to ride with them today – a day that took us from Pai to Mae Hong Son and close to the border with Myamar.

In the 7.30am briefing we were warned of a tough day ahead made up of big miles on tight single track trails. The route was incredible, climbing high up into the stunning Thai mountains and through rain forests, the trails were a pleasure to ride on the big GS. Even the tight down hill, technical single track that came close to resembling a trials section were ridden feet-up.

Todays’ special tests threw up three unique challenges aimed at covering GS knowledge, manoeuvrability and a three man enduro style race. The first was a short quiz with questions about our location within Thailand to the tech specs of the R 1200 GS we’re using on the event. With a hefty four points awarded for each correct answer, team UK only got two correct and lost big points to both Russia and South Africa who both got four correct answers and 16 points.

The second test was a technical timed special enduro stage that saw the 18, three man and one international women’s team drop down from a bridge and into a stream before climbing back out and up a loose and steep ascent to the end of the stage.

With all three riders in the teams having to complete the course the clock started as the three riders left and stopped when the last rider finished the course. Teams were allowed no outside assistance and handed a 30 second time penalty if they fell off. The UK team, once again performed well, riding a clean stage, without any errors while many of their rivals faltered and crashed including day one leaders Argentina. In the results team UK claimed the joint third fastest time behind Brazil and South Africa.

The final special stage of the day was all about manoeuvring a bike quickly and efficiently. With three bikes lined up behind each other the riders had to in turn push their bikes (engine off) for 20 metres. The first bike then had to stop and the following bikes had to be placed behind – with their front tyre touching the rear tyre of the bike in front.

Once all three were in position the bikes had to be wheeled directly backwards – back to the original starting point. While it sounds relatively simple, when you’re racing a rival team who are lined up at your side and all the other teams are watching it becomes a different proposition.

The UK team once again delivered another strong performance. Both James Berrill and Oliver Twigg have worked in motorcycle dealers so know exactly how to handle a bike with the engine off. Former TT racer Gordon Blackley would be the first to admit that this challenge put him well outside his comfort zone, but with some tips from James and Oliver did a great job, held his nerve and got the bike back without any drama. With many of the other teams including the UK’s day one rivals Germany and Argentina making mistakes along the way it was another good result for team UK finishing fourth overall.

The net result of today’s three specials means that the UK has retained their second position in the overall standings with 76 points. But there are now new leaders with day one winners Argentina dropping down to seventh, South Africa had a stunning  day are now winning the #GSTROPHY with 85 points. Latin America are third on 74 points, with China turning around their fortunes with a brilliant performance and have now moved up to fourth.

Tomorrow the circus heads from Mae Hong Son to Mae Sariang over 240km away. Team UK will be riding with the International Women’s team with two special stages planned throughout the course of the day.