10 Dec 2024

The most celebrated local motorcycle racer, Ross Branch has been crowned FIM Hero of the year.

According to Cross Country Rally, Branch’s stellar performance in the 2024 W2RC FIM where he was crowned champion, the Dakar Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, Desafio Ruta 40, and Rallye du Maroc contributed to his recognition.

Branch was celebrated alongside champions from various FIM disciplines, where they received medals from FIM chairperson, Jorge Viegas during the FIM Awards ceremony in Mallorca, Spain recently.

“Being here is a dream come true after an incredible 2024 season. Achieving a good result on the Dakar was really important to establish our strategy for the rest of the year.

The most important things were to be consistent, finish all the races and avoid making any big mistakes.

 We fought a great battle and I’m so happy,” Branch said.

He said The Hero MotoSports Team Rally had worked so hard over so many years.

He said the team was like a family to him and that it felt great to win it for them adding that the award was also special for Botswana.

“It’s a small country. There are only 2.6 million of us, so having a motorcycling world champion is fantastic. I can’t wait to ride with number 1 on my bike, which was also one of my dreams.

We haven’t taken a break, we’re training hard and we’re looking forward to another great season in 2025,” he said. ENDS