2022 BMW GS Trophy Daily Report

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Jim Duplease in action during the first special test of the 2022 BMW GS Trophy. (Justin Dawes/)

After traveling from all over the world, 57 competitors for the BMW GS Trophy arrived in the city of Kavaja, on the Adriatic Sea in the southeastern European country of Albania. Three of those competitors are representing the USA after earning their place in the GS Trophy. Cycle World was invited to follow along with Team USA on and off the bike.

Team USA is Cory Call, Jim Duplease, and Ben Phaup. Call and Deplease arrived from California without issue, but Phaup got caught in the middle of a Lufthansa strike and had to travel through no less than three countries to get to the trophy. After stops in Germany, Switzerland, and Serbia, the Virginian finally rolled into Kavaja at 4 AM.

Despite the collective lack of sleep, Team USA was excited to get rolling after the handover of their 2022 BMW R 1250 GS units the day before. They didn’t have long to wait. Their first task was to load all of the other teams’ luggage on the support trucks, a duty that all teams will undertake during the course of the event; at least they got it out of the way early. Shortly thereafter, the crew rolled out along with 14 other countries for day one of seven.

After a short ride along the coast, the first special test awaited competitors: a small course on the side of a hill. Tight turns in a confined arena tested the team’s balance and control, but it wasn’t the riding skills were being tested out of the gate; it was a mental lapse in listening to the rules. The marshal gives the parameters only once. If you don’t pay attention, you can lose big time.

Careful riding was not rewarded in the first test. Team USA was too slow while concentrating on making no mistakes. (Justin Dawes/)

And this, unfortunately for Team USA’s sleep-deprived and airline-abused riders, was the case. There was a three minute time limit for all three to complete the course, but they forgot it was also scored for the quickest finish. Mindful of losing points for crossing the course edges, dropping the bike, and even dabbing a foot, Call, Duplease, and Call rode carefully and deliberately, finishing well within the three-minute time limit without any lost points. But the combined effort was simply too slow, and they finished 12th, earning only 4 points towards the overall win. The UK team earned first place, collecting 25 points.

After a 135-km ride towards the center of the country, the second special test was held just before lunch in a river wash deep in a valley. This was a pure time test with a more open layout that crossed a small river and challenged the teams with round river rocks and soft sand. The overall combined time would be complete when the third rider crossed the line. Duplease ripped out of the gate and ran a very quick time through the course. Phaup was let out as soon as his teammate crossed the line and also ripped through the course without issue. Call was the anchor and ripped smart lines, helping Team USA finish in third place.

While the organizers did not share total times, they did say competition was extremely close. Team UK completed a clean sweep on the day with another first and 25 points. Team USA scored 15. Close results can lead to big swings; Team USA now sits in seventh.

Tonight, camp is in the center of a castle in Berat. All three riders thoroughly enjoyed the experience of riding in a new country, competing on bikes with their names on them. A castle is just the cherry on top for a day that has been full of firsts.

Taking in the experience of the GS Trophy is just as, if not more, important than winning each stage. Three highly competitive individuals are seeing sights that few will ever get to. (Justin Dawes/)

At the end of the evening, it was great to watch the team come together after a disappointing first day. Duplease was heard muttering “seventh” multiple times, though Phaup and Call took pains to remind him that six more days remain in which to earn points, and that they are still firmly in the running for a win.

Kickstands go up at 7:30 in the morning. Tomorrow is a new day for Team USA.

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