Sports

Eighth time delight for Branch

Ross Branch PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
 
Ross Branch PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE



He was the fastest biker to cross the finishing line and won the TGR1000 race held in Jwaneng.

Branch returned to his hometown with a win after five years. The Kalahari Ferrari had been on the lead since time trials on Friday. Branch went on to finish first on day one before he crossed the line first in the last 450km of day two. “It was tough, probably the hardest race of my career but I enjoyed it. It was good to see all the people, the fans out there again.

I am happy to be home in one piece and the bike also in one piece and I really enjoyed it, eight times now I am really happy for it,” Branch said. He said despite his thrilling display on the bike, he was pushed to the end and credited his rivals for bringing in the competition in a fast paced race. The local bikers were very dominant on local soil.

John Kelly came in second place while national championship, Kosmas Mamaloukos recovered well from a disappointing day one performance to make it in the podium place. Branch took a break from the World Rally-Raid Championship and said he had a good preparation time on the bike ahead of the round four. Debutant, Sebastian Bühler was unfortunate not to finish the race as he hit a cow. The German gave Branch a run for his money before his ordeal on Sunday as he retired in the last loop of the race.