Dakar 2025: Hero’s Branch stays third after 48H Chrono

Hero MotoSports and the rest of the Indian contingent have successfully completed one of the toughest sections of the 2025 Dakar Rally – the 48H Chrono. At the end of Stage 2, both Hero riders remain in the top 10, with Ross Branch third overall and Jose ‘Nacho’ Cornejo ninth.

1. Branch third overall, 4 seconds behind Howes
2. Cornejo ninth overall
3. Raorane 98th, Jain 126th

Dakar 2025: Both Hero riders in top 10

This year’s 48H Chrono stage saw competitors tackle 1,006km across two days. At the end of Day 1, they had to halt at the nearest of the six designated Break Point zones, where they then had to survive on their own in the middle of the desert with basic camping gear and rations.

Both Hero riders covered 609km on Day 1 and reached the second last Break Point. This left them with 338km to cover on Day 2. Branch set the fifth fastest stage time, enough for him to hold on to third place overall, and he’s just 4 seconds behind Honda’s Skyler Howes.

“Yesterday was a massive push – we spent 9 hours on the bike in full-gas motocross style from start to finish! The ride with the pack at km 250 was exhilarating, and although I couldn’t break away, it was an absolute blast,” said Branch. “Camping in the desert was an unforgettable experience, and catching up with fellow riders and drivers was a bonus. I’m just relieved to be back in one piece, with my bike in perfect condition.”

Cornejo completed the stage in 13th place and remains ninth in the overall ranking.

Dakar 2025: Raorane, Jain complete 48H Chrono

Ashish Raorane called the 48H Chrono “some of the toughest riding I’ve ever done”. With 537km left to cover on Day 2, he had to dig deep to make it back to the bivouac before sundown. He currently stands 98th overall.

It also ended up being a tough stage for Dakar debutant Jatin Jain, who suffered two heavy crashes on the first day. Despite hurting his hand and back, the Indian managed to complete the stage and is 126th overall.

Dakar 2025: Takale 40th in Dakar Classic  

Over in the Dakar Classic class, Sanjay Takale did well in the first two regularity tests but then dropped down the order after missing a few waypoints in the navigation test. As a result, he’s now 40th in the standings.

Watch this space for more updates from the 2025 Dakar Rally.

Also see:

Dakar 2025: Hero’s Branch third in Stage 1; Buhler out

Dakar 2025: Harith Noah out after prologue crash

2025 Dakar Rally: Indians to watch out for