A year later, the biker nicknamed the Kalahari Ferrari went a gear higher as he bagged a stage win in stage two of the Dakar Rally 2020, but was unlucky to finish outside the top 20 as he finished on the 21st spot. Lady luck had not been on the side of one of the prospects of global motorsport as Branch failed to complete the last two editions of the race. In 2021 he crashed his bike, while in the 2022 he had an accident, which resulted in him once again forfeiting the race. Over the years, the 36-year-old has earned some respect for his name and acclaimed a status as one of the fastest riders.
The 2023 edition should be Branch’s time to affirm his place amongst the world’s greats. He however did not have the best 2022 season as he ended the campaign without some silverware. The 2023 season began on new year’s eve with 13km prologue stage of the Dakar Rally 2023. The Kalahari Ferrari would be feeling some good omen as he finished the stage on the third spot behind the Australian duo of Toby Price and Daniel Sanders who came in first and second respectively. This (Sunday) afternoon he began his Dakar Rally challenge with the first 237km of 8,500km as the gruelling race began with the stage one.
Branch in the stage finished on the 14th position as he admits he did not have the best time on the bike. “A hectic day in the desert today crashing twice and not riding well at all.. have to step it up!” Branch said through a social media post. It was meanwhile a heartbreaking first day for defending champion Sam Sunderland of the Great Britain. The biker had to be airlifted just less than 50km into his title defense charge after a crash. He was forced to resign from the race due to the injuries sustained. South Africa’s Bradley Cox has also retired from the race as he also survived an accident.
