Branch’s world title defence over

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 50 Views |

Local motorsport hero, Ross Branch, has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) following a crash in Stage Three of the BP Ultimate Rally Raid in Portugal. Whilst the rider emerged unscathed, his Hero No.1 machine suffered serious damage, ending his hopes of defending the world crown.

The setback is a crushing blow for Branch, who came into the season as the reigning world champion and a beacon of Botswana motorsport on the global stage.

This withdrawal marks the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the 39-year-old, who has now failed to complete three of the four W2RC rounds in 2025.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

motorsport

Under-17 girls keep medal hopes alive

Kabelo Boranabi | 14 h ago

Lt General Seelo to retire from BDF after 40 years

Pini Bothoko | 15 h ago

Man allegedly forces girlfriend to drink poison before taking it himself

Pini Bothoko | 15 h ago

Weakness persists in swiping values

Mbongeni Mguni | 16 h ago

Lesenepole murder suspect dies by suicide in police cell

Pini Bothoko | 1d ago

Court finds sufficient evidence against Mojadigo

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

The State apparatus must be sanitised

When the State cannot rely on its own machinery to pursue suspected wrongdoing, repairing that machinery must become a national priority.The establishment of a Special Investigations and Asset Recovery Task Force may help government respond to the immediate challenge. However, Botswana cannot afford to leave the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) struggling whilst building...

The Monitor Editor | 10 November 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Branch’s world title defence over

Explore

More