Branch atones for Dakar disappointment
Quintessential local rider, Ross Branch was on cloud nine this week after clinching his first FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship win at the Kazakhstan Rally on Sunday. Branch has proved to be a reliable ambassador for Botswana sport with strong performances on the international scene.
He made a bright start to his Dakar Rally debut in 2019, finishing as the best rookie as he officially announced his arrival on motorsport’s biggest stage. However, his second appearance did not go as planned as he failed to finish the race and was involved in a scare after an accident. But Branch managed to atone for the Dakar Rally disappointment, after dominant performances during the seven-day rally in Asia.
“The win means a lot to me, especially after the problems we had at Dakar with not finishing. So I really wanted to go in there strong and get a result for myself, my team and my country,” he said.
“Winning the first round of the World Championship was very important for me and it shows that we have the speed and can compete with the fastest riders in the world.
This is a good step in the right direction. Obviously, the big picture is for Dakar 2022,” Branch added. Six more world championship races await Branch with the first trip coming next week with a flight to Russia and Mongolia for the Silk Way Rally to be held from July 1-11, 2021.
Rally dos Sertões will follow next in Brazil from August 13-22. Portugal will host the BP Ultimate Portugal Rally from September 16-21, before the Rallye du Maroc in Morocco from October 8-13. The World Championship will conclude in the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from November 6-12.