Branch in steady push for Dakar title

Branch is in Saudi Arabia competing in his third Dakar Rally. He finished as the best rookie in his debut race in 2019. Last year, he did not have the best time on the bike as he settled for 21st place.

This time around, the 'Kalahari Ferrari' said he was going for a win after securing a deal with the Monster Energy Yamaha team. Branch is making his debut in his new bike from the factory team and sits eighth after five stages.He got off to a promising start finishing fourth on the first of the 15-day competition and settled for the fourth spot in overall rankings. The biker moved to third place in overall standings after the second stage of the competition. He had finished fourth on the day. He however, did not have the same fortunes in the third round as his time on the bike was marred by poor navigation.