Hero MotoSports' Ross Branch won the first motorcycle stage of the 2024 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. His remarkable chivalry in helping fellow rider Tosha Schareina after her race-ending collision on Saturday was recognised, adding a unique twist to his victory. Branch's incredible deed cut 25 minutes off his overall time, putting him nearly 12 minutes ahead of Ricky Brabec.
Many of the best riders and drivers were caught unawares by the first stage's enormous difficulty. After being involved in separate collisions, Joaquim Rodrigues of Hero MotoSports and Ashish Raorane of Indian privateer both had to withdraw from Dakar 2024.
Ross Branch said: "It was a really challenging first stage at the Dakar. This was probably one of the longest stages I’ve ever experienced at Dakar. I had a strong start, but things got tricky after I found Tosha crashing shortly after refuel, and I then remained by his side until medical assistance arrived. Finding a good rhythm afterwards proved challenging, but my primary focus shifted to safely returning to the bivouac. Looking forward to a fresh start tomorrow opening the stage, let’s see how it goes."
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Dakar 2024: Hero MotoSports' Joaquim Rodrigues Out
At the 82-kilometre point in the stage, Joaquim Rodrigues had an accident, which caused him to lose consciousness for a moment as he fell to the ground head over heels. Hero MotoSports teammates Joan Barreda Bort and Sebastian Buhler were quick to respond and helped Rodrigues until he could be taken to AlUla Hospital. Scan results showed that Rodrigues just broke his thumb, so at least he avoided major injuries.
That's Dakar spirit
Several riders stopped to rescue Joaquim Rodrigues after his crash. #Dakar2024 pic.twitter.com/kvv6Rwpk34
— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 6, 2024
Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: “Today is a day of mixed emotions for us. The light and shadow are very close in this year’s Dakar – an unfortunate exit for JRod, and Ross wins his third Stage for Hero – all in the same day! The victory is also at a great margin, and we are extremely proud to put Hero on the overall lead at the Dakar Rally for the first time in our history. I look forward to a great race ahead!”
Joaquim Rodrigues said: “It's unfortunate that I crashed today, but I'm okay - it looks like it's only a fracture on my thumb. I really don't remember much about the accident, but from what I understand, I lost control in the front and fell head on to the ground. My team members Joan and Buhler, and a couple of others stopped to help me, and I was flown to the AlUla hospital and later to Medina. They did a scan of my head, and everything looks okay at the moment. My broken finger has been put in a cast, but other than that I feel okay.”
Dakar 2024: Result
| POS | RIDERS | TEAM | TIME |
| 1 | ROSS BRANCH | HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY | 04H 56' 01'' |
| 2 | RICKY BRABEC | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM | 05H 06' 55'' |
| 3 | MASON KLEIN | KORR OFFROAD RACING | 05H 07' 20'' |
| 4 | BRADLEY COX | BAS WORLD KTM RACING TEAM | 05H 08' 55'' |
| 5 | JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO | MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM | 05H 09' 44'' |
| 6 | ROMAIN DUMONTIER | TEAM DUMONTIER RACING | 05H 10' 07'' |
| 7 | LORENZO SANTOLINO | SHERCO RALLY FACTORY | 05H 10' 12'' |
| 8 | KEVIN BENAVIDES | RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING | 05H 11' 38'' |
| 9 | DANIEL SANDERS | RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING | 05H 12' 55'' |
| 10 | MARTIN MICHEK | ORION - MOTO RACING GROUP | 05H 13' 13'' |
The racers will now leave the rough terrain and head east to Al Duwadimi, a distance of 662 kilometres, with 470 kilometres being timed.
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