14 Jan 2019

Botswana rider, Ross Branch has finished stage six as the leading Dakar Rally rookie at the ongoing annual race held in Peru.

Branch, who was penalised 15 minutes for changing his engine after it broke the sixth gear on day two of the event, did not let the penalty demoralise him and he soldiered on.

And his outstanding performance did not go unnnoticed as many Batswana including Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Tshekedi Kham have been impressed with Branch’s resilience.

Khama said in an interview that Branch, who was making his maiden appearance at the race, was doing well despite the fact that there were not enough facilities to teach youth the sport.

Thus, he said it was imperative to support individuals such as Branch.

He pointed out that Branch had shown that if support was given, athletes could take the country to greater heights. 

“Look, Ross went there alone. He doesn’t have a whole team with him, but it would have been good if he went there with somebody.

Again, his sponsors were from the private sector though he went there to represent the country,” he said.

Botswana Motor Sport secretary general, Jackie Meyer said they were happy with Branch’s performance thus far.

She said Branch completed stage six on Sunday and he finished on position 18 and his overall standing in the race was 17 and he was leading the rookie.

Meyer said despite him havinga mechanical fault in his bike, that did not affect his position.

She said Branch’s bike was now in good condition adding that his performance was exceptional given that it was his first time to compete atthe competition.

“We just pray that he continues to fight very hard and bring good results.

To be honest, we did not expect him to do this good as a first timer,” she said.

Meanwhile, Branch was quoted by KTM saying one of his goals was to get into the top 20 overall, which he had proven was within reach.

“I’m just going to take it day by day though and make sure my bike and my body stays in one piece!. If I can keep up my navigation at the speed that I’m going, then I’m happy,” he said.

He said experiencing the Dakar Rally was his dream and it was everything he wanted it to be.

He added that he did not expect to be having so much fun on his bike, even on the long stages. ENDS