Speeding costs Branch Stage win

The biker was the provisional winner of Stage One. The outcome followed an analysis of his equipment at the bivouac. The stage was won by Edgar Canet of Spain, who doubles up after his prologue win. The second spot was claimed by Daniel Sanders of Australia with Ricky Brabec of United States of America (USA) in third place. Speaking after the race, Branch said that although they are still waiting for the results, it was a good day racing in the desert. "I made a couple of small mistakes, I got lost a little bit, nothing too serious. I am happy that I have the speed. That was a big thing for me last year as I was not getting the results i wanted and I was getting frustrated," Branch said.