– Ross Branch stays firm in overall top-10 after stage 4
Hero MotoSports Team Rally – the motorsport arm of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp – successfully completed Stage 4 of Rally Raid Portugal 2026.
Delivering yet another consistent performance, Botswanan rider Ross Branch finished the stage with the 9th fastest time. With this result, he continues to hold a strong position in the overall standings, placed 7th at the end of Stage 4 and firmly inside the Top-10.
Ross delivered a resilient and composed ride through a demanding stage that tested riders across a wide range of conditions. The terrain kept changing throughout, with slippery sections and technical stretches that required constant focus and precise control. Despite the challenges, Ross maintained a steady rhythm, balancing caution with confidence. His ability to manage the risks while still pushing when needed highlights his experience and adaptability, as he heads into the final stage with solid momentum.
The penultimate stage on Saturday saw the rally return to Portugal. Covering a total distance of 639 km, it was the longest route of the rally, bringing competitors to Loulé — the historic town that will also host the grand finale on Sunday. The stage demanded strict discipline, with riders required to stay on track as several hazards remained difficult to spot. The stage began with multiple gates and rocky sections, followed by a tight and winding stretch along a lake. It then opened into faster, rolling terrain. Narrow gates, water-filled ruts, and hidden depressions added to the difficulty, while the second half featured slim concrete bridges, often concealed by vegetation — leaving no room for error.
The final stage on Sunday will feature a 101 km timed loop around Loulé. This completely new section draws inspiration from a classic Dakar route and runs through the Algarve’s rolling hills. With hard-packed terrain and varied conditions, it promises to be a demanding final test for the riders.
Ross Branch, Rider, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: « It was a crazy Stage 4 out there — we faced a real mix of terrains, from slippery sections to some genuinely dangerous moments, but also had a lot of fun along the way. It was a bit of everything, so I’m really happy to make it through in one piece. A huge thank you to the team for their continued support. Now, the focus shifts to the final day — looking forward to going out there, enjoying the ride, and hopefully ending the rally on a high note. »
Provisional Rankings – Stage 04
1. Tosha Schareina, Monster Energy Honda HRC, 02h 50m 08s
2. Daniel Sanders, Redbull KTM Racing Team, + 01m 25s
3. Adrien Van Beveren, Monster Energy Honda HRC, + 02m 18s…
9. Ross Branch, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, + 07m 36s
Overall Provisional Rankings – After Stage 04
1. Daniel Sanders, Redbull KTM Racing Team, 09h 59m 23s
2. Tosha Schareina, Monster Energy Honda HRC, + 01m 46s
3. Adrien Van Beveren, Monster Energy Honda HRC, + 06m 24s…
7. Ross Branch, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, + 20m 28s