26 Jan 2024

Motorcycle champion racer, Ross Branch is back home after a historic podium finish at the 2024 Dakar Rally.

Branch finished the rally in second place for his team Hero MotoSports Team Rally, and he received a warm welcome in Gaborone.

He said in an interview that while finishing on the podium was his biggest dream, ‘coming home to so many people is even a bigger dream for me’.

He said this year’s rally was the longest and toughest race he had done.

Branch said he had many tough stages, but highlighted that he had three or four stages that were really tough and resulted in him losing time.

He said in the second week he rode alone without a team, saying it was one of the hardest weeks of any racing he had ever done.

“I am happy that I finished in one piece, it was a rough one this year with many riders crashing out and experiencing mechanical failures. For us to get through was already a win and getting a podium finish was a bonus,” Branch said.

He said he hoped his achievement had inspired young racers to take the leap and give it a go as well.

Branch thanked his supporters in Botswana saying their support made it possible for him to achieve his dream.

“I will forever be grateful to them and riding for Hero MotoSports team is a dream come true as well,” he said also applauding his team.

Looking ahead, Branch said he would work on his weaknesses in preparation for round two of Abu Dhabi World Championships to be held in March. Ends