SPORT NEWS - The highly anticipated GS Trophy 2024 Qualifier South Africa kicked off in Aberdeen on 9 November, drawing nearly 100 competitors.
The opening day launched in Aberdeen and ventured through Rietbron to Prince Albert.
The riders faced a demanding itinerary, encountering five special stages along the way with three individual scoring stages, two team scoring stages, a lunch stop in Rietbron, and two fuel stops.
Braving the gruelling terrain, contestants showed their determination, pushing their 4x4s to the limit and celebrating the feat of completing the day's journey.
On day two the riders embarked on a scenic route from Prince Albert to Fullarton, traversing approximately 273km and ending just outside Willowmore, where the warm hospitality of the Karoo awaited them.
The third day commenced with a team challenge, steering away from Willowmore along the backroads to Steytlerville. Contestants scoured the terrain for a mystery box in a field near Fullarton and on an old railway track, continuing with a challenging sand obstacle at the Country Trax farm.
The day culminated in an ultimate Arena Challenge, pitting male and female finalists against ten strenuous tasks in scorching 38-degree weather, testing their months of rigorous training.
Everybody waited in suspense while the marshals meticulously tallied scores after the intense track attempt by the 16 men and six women in the complex arena. As the windstorm intensified, the much-awaited results were finally announced.
The top achievers of the GS Trophy 2024 Qualifier South Africa are:
Men
- Morné van Rooyen
- JP Boer
- Ruhan de Villers
Ladies
- Elizna Weideman
- Dianne McLean
While the men secured their spots to represent Team SA in Namibia next year, the two ladies will head to Spain in January for a final qualifying round for Namibia, courtesy of sponsor BMW ZA IT Hub, which will be covering their flights for the event.
Though only five trophy winners were celebrated, each participant received a certificate acknowledging their contribution to an unforgettable experience and the cherished memories made.
The top three men are, from left: JP Boer, Morné van Rooyen and Ruhan de Villiers.
Dianne McLean (left) and Elizna Weideman were the winners of the woman's division.
Some of the contestants enjoying the moment.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
