Ross finishes second Dakar despite challenges

For Ross Branch this year’s Dakar – his second – was full of ups and sadly a few downs as well.

Sadly, Paulo Gonçalves crashed and lost his life 273km into Stage 7. “Yesterday was one of the saddest days for Motorsport … we lost a legend. Rest in peace, my friend Paulo Gonçalves (Paulo Speedy Gonçalves). You will be sorely missed,” Ross said on his Facebook page.

Stage 8 of the race was cancelled for the motorbikes and quads to give the riders time to mourn their friend.

Stage 9 saw Ross finishing in 10th place, explaining to viewers that it was a crazy and long stage. He said that he just took his time and tried to catch one person at a time.

“Today was really tough! I battled to read the dunes this morning and slowed down a bit. The bike is in one piece and I’m feeling good! We are ready for the last two days. Thank you all so much for all the support!” Ross said on Facebook after finishing Stage 10.

He said that Stage 11 was a weird day that started out okay, except for some dust storms that added a dangerous component. Unfortunately Ross had another crash on the same shoulder that was injured in the previous accident.

“Tomorrow is the last day and we can make it into the top 20 if I put the hammer down,” he said.

After finishing his second Dakar, Ross wrote, “Unbelievably happy to have made the finish line of this tough race! What a roller coaster ride!”

Ross also received the Epic Story by MOTUL medal for his fighting spirit and determination to finish despite the injuries he sustained when he crashed 90km into Stage 3, as well as suffering mechanical failures.

Ross finished 14th in Stage 1, first in Stage 2, 46th after his fall in the third stage, third in Stage 4, seventh in Stage 5, 84th in Stage 6 and 16th in Stage 7.

He finished Stage 9 in fifth place, Stage 10 in 10th place, Stage 11 in 11th place and stage 12 in 23rd place.

Overall Ross finished in the 21st place for Dakar 2020. Congrats to Ross on an amazing Dakar.