75,000 kilometres in 35 days around the world - BMW motorcycles on the Olympic torch relay

Ten R 1200 GS accompany the Olympic flame on its way from the town of Olympia
through all five continents to Athens where the Olympic games will be opened on
August 13th 2004.

Under the motto "Pass on the flame - unite the world" the trip passes through
26 countries and 33 cities. Up to 10,000 people run with the torch covering
some 7,000 kilometres. In addition to fire, the other elements are also
important. A diver swims with it, a hot air balloon travels through the air.
Even a camel helps carry the Olympic idea of peaceful co-existence and
international understanding into the world. Each torch bearer runs about 400
metres (traditional length of a stadium lap) in the longest and biggest relay
in history.

The BMW motorcycles will take on the role of protecting the runners and the
flame on their long journey. This is a considerable logistical task. A Boeing
747 transports the torches, motorcycles and the organisational team to the
various cities.

In addition to standard equipment, the R 1200 GS are fitted with pannier cases,
special horns and xenon lights. BMW Motorrad provides a total of 35 motorcycles
(including F 650 GS and K 1200 LT models) which will play a supporting role in
the Olympics at events such as cycle racing, marathon and other long-distance
races.

Famous torch bearers since the start on March 25th 2004 have been Nelson
Mandela in Cape Town, and Pelé and Ronaldo in Rio de Janeiro. On June 29th, the
flame arrives in Munich. Who will carry the torch into the Olympic Stadium on
August 13th is still a secret.