Filipino Rider Qualifies for BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy

Filipino motorcycle rider Aris Cuevas has made history by becoming the first local rider to qualify for the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy by clinching the top spot in the 2017 GS Trophy Southeast Asia qualifying round held last September 2, 2017 in Thailand. Cuevas and fellow Filipino riders Derrick Itchon and Leother Valderama were among the 30 participants who competed in the Southeast Asia qualifier, with the three riders being placed in three separate teams with two riders from Thailand. They then took part in intense riding challenges against seven other teams, including an all-female contingent. While Cuevas and his team endured action-packed activities that heavily tested teamwork, navigation, technical skills, and riding competency, the most formidable stage for everyone was the individual riding challenge. The individual matches took place after a number of morning competitive events wherein 15 out of the 30 participants emerged as qualifiers. Cuevas was selected as the only Filipino to progress to the next challenge after Itchon and Valderama were bested by stronger contenders. After the heated trials, Cuevas finished with 137 points and triumphed to claim a coveted spot in the 2018 Southeast Asia GS Trophy Team. Along with two other champions from Thailand and Malaysia, the Southeast Asian team will be competing against riders from various countries at the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy 2018 in Mongolia. The BMW Motorrad GS Trophy International is the most adventurous competition for riders from across the globe. Teams will battle it out in intensive daily stages and numerous special challenges that will "not only push riding skills, agility, fitness, and team spirit to the limit, but also help build a stronger community committed to making life a ride."