Branch�s title defence off to a good start
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday April 4, 2017 17:19
Branch made history last year when he became the first local biker to win the South African championship in the OR1 category and he continued his good form over the weekend.
Branch won the round in a time of 4:46:41secs. He clocked 04:32:57 in the main event after doing 13:44 minutes in the time trials. Another Motswana, Dartagnan Lobdjoit finished in the fourth position after clocking 5:12:09.
The youngster made his OR1 debut after he upgraded from the OR3 category he won last season. He was unlucky to have missed the podium finish as he crossed the finish line 11 minutes after third-placed Tristan Purdon.
Another local rider, Robert Pollock came in sixth position, clocking 05:23:19.
Motsumi Lekone had a weekend to remember as he managed to finish first in the Quad Master category despite missing the time trails on Friday, a day before the main race.
Lekone told Mmegi Sport that he lost his travelling documents prior his departure on Friday, which resulted in him missing the time trial.
As a result he faced a 15-minute penalty in the main race. “I had misplaced my passport, but we managed to recover it on time before the main event. It was unfortunate that I missed the time trials.
The most important thing was to get the points. I think I did exceptionally well as I managed to get a podium finish,” he said. Lekone, who finished fourth last season, further said his aim is to imitate his fellow local riders as he is gunning for the championship this season.
“Last season I had all sorts of problems with my bike. I also missed some of the rounds due to work commitments.
This year I do not think I will have those problems,” he said. In second place came another local rider, Sidney Rankgate after his closest competitor, Stef Bester pulled out of the main event. Rankgate recorded an overall time of 07:12:00.
However, it was a bad day in the office for Lepsy Mosope who finished last in the senior category.
The second of the seven rounds series will be held in KwaZulu Natal on May 12.
The local boys will be looking to use home ground advantage in the third and fourth rounds set to be held during the annual Toyota 1000km Desert Race to be held in Jwaneng on June 24 and 25.