Branch clocks three days in Dakar Rally lead

It has been a promising start for the local top biker as he bettered yesterday’s 11th place finish while he has a stage win in the bag recorded during stage one of the race. Branch has also increased the time advantage over second placed Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo as he leads with four minutes and 11 seconds as compared to stage two’s two minutes and 55 seconds. On his sixth Dakar Rally appearance, Branch has been smart on the saddle.

He is among the fast paced riders in the race but the Kalahari Ferrari has sparingly used speed which is his greatest asset as he looks to maintain his time on the bike. Last year’s 26th spot finish was spoilt by mechanical problems and crashes. He had his luck today as Cornejo Florimo did not enjoy his best ride, finishing seventh. Branch will have to keep the Chilean in check in tomorrow’s 631km of the stage four of the race.

Nine stages and a total of 5,828km stand between Branch and his first ever Dakar Rally title.