The biker, in his first appearance in 2019, bagged the Rookie Award finishing 13th in overall standings as he officially announced his arrival on motorsport’s biggest stage. In his second appearance, Branch came in at 21st position and claimed his maiden and only stage win at the event. This year, he did not have the best of luck as he came out of the race at stage nine of the competition due to an accident. The biker, who has proven to be a reliable ambassador of the Blue, Black and White (Botswana flag) told Mmegi Sport he has drawn inspiration from the 2020 Olympic Games team and the recent showing by the country’s representative at the Miss World pageant. As the baton passes to him early next year, Branch says he will be aiming to be among the top five finishers. “I feel that I have learnt so much this year, so the approach is basically that I want to get to the finishing line. The previous two Dakars I have had a little bit of issues and ups and downs.
I want to get to the finish; if I get to the finish I am pretty sure I can get to a good position.” “Going into my fourth Dakar, I am in a position where I feel I have to go to the top five. I think I have the speed and the skills to do it at the moment. It is such a long race and anything can happen. You just have to give it your best shot and have fun.
