Ross Branch (motorcyclist)

Ross Branch (born 6 May 1986) is a motorcycle racer from Botswana. He lives in Gaborone, Botswana and rode for the KTM Off-Road Racing Team until October 2018. He now races for the Hero MotorSports International Rally team. Branch is the first Dakar stage winner from Botswana, after taking the stage 2 victory at the Dakar Rally 2020. Ross Branch also made history for his country and continent, becoming the first Botswana to podium at the Dakar, as well as first African to podium in the Rally GP class, coming 2nd place overall in the 2024 Dakar Rally Motorcycles.

Early life
Branch was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and his parents brought him to Jwaneng three days after he was born. Branch's parents are Kevin Branch a former Debswana employee and Glenda Branch. Branch attended Krugersdorp High School in Gauteng. Branch's love for speed and adrenaline started when he first witnessed the final stage of the 1992 Dakar Rally in Cape Town at just five years old. He started riding motorbikes at the age of ten. At 18 years old he was invited to ride on the South African colours for Motocross, giving him a taste of professional freestyle.

Career
2024: 2nd Dakar Rally, (Winner of Stage 1 and Stage 11)

2020: 21st Dakar Rally, (Winner of Stage 2)

2019: 13th Dakar Rally (Best Rookie) / 2nd Merzouga Rally / 9th Morocco Rally

2018: 1st, South African OR1 Cross Country Championship / 1st, Botswana 1000 Desert Race

2017: 1st, South African OR1 Cross Country Championship / 1st, Botswana 1000 Desert Race / 1st, Khawa Dune Challenge

2016: 1st, South African OR1 Cross Country Championship / 1st, Botswana 1000 Desert Race / 1st,  African Motorcycle Union Continental Motocross Championship / Finisher, Red Bull Braveman Extreme Enduro

2015: 1st, Botswana 1000 Desert Race / 1st, Khawa Dune Challenge

2014: 1st, Botswana 1000 Desert Race / 1st, Khawa Dune Challenge

2013: 1st, Khawa Dune Challenge

2012: 1st, Botswana 1000 Desert Race

2011: Gold finisher, Roof of Africa / 1st, Botswana 1000 Desert Race / 1st, African Motorcycle Union Continental Motocross Championship

Sponsorships

 * Yamaha
 * Monster Energy

Personal life
Ross Branch has been together with Aimee Crewe-Brown since he was 20 years old and they married in 2017. They have three Jack Russells.