Branch pins hopes on time-tested numerical strategies
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday December 23, 2023 06:00
Amongst the 179 bikers preparing for the prestigious race set to unfold in Saudi Arabia from January 5 to 19, 2024, Branch has opted to revert to race number 46, a departure from the number 16 he used in his last five Dakar Rally appearances.
“Yes, the race number has changed from 16 to 46, and I am really happy. There is no change in the riding; it is just a number that I like. It is a number I used early in my career, and it has been nice and good, so I thought it was a good change.
I finished fourth this year at the World Championship. I could have used the number four, but I opted for 46 because it has some good memories about it,” expressed Branch. This marks the sixth appearance for the Jwaneng-raised biker, following a highly successful World Rally-Raid Championship season in 2023.
Branch achieved his highest-ever finish, securing the fourth spot and narrowly missing his first podium finish in the competition. Having undergone intensive training in local and Namibian terrains, Branch is preparing for one of the longest editions of the Dakar Rally, covering a total race distance of 7, 891km.
Bikers will race for a minimum of 400km a day over 12 days. “We are just going to take it day by day. We do not have a strategy yet; only in the second week of the Dakar Rally will we formulate one. We will definitely try to stay on the bike, secure as many top 10 finishes in stages as I can, and also aim to stay in the race as much as possible,” noted Branch.
While eyeing a podium finish, Branch would be content with a spot inside the top five.
The biker, who has recently enjoyed considerable time on the bike, believes his moment in the Dakar Rally could be imminent. “We will strive for a top five, a podium place position. I think we are in a position where we can win the rally, so we just have to make sure that we put all the pieces together for a good 2024 Dakar,” he said.
There is a new addition to Branch’s factory crew, Hero Motorsport Rally Team, in Spanish rider Joan Barreda Bort. Although the Spanaird has never won the Dakar, he holds the record for the most stage wins with 29 in the competition. Branch is hopeful of learning from the experienced rider as the team aims for a commendable finish.