Dakar 2024: Hero Claims Second; First Podium For An Indian Manufacturer

It has been eight years’ since Hero took to the most gruelling rally on planet earth and it has finally tasted the sweet joy of a podium finish. Yes, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer is also a Dakar rally podium winner with Botswana’s Ross Branch finishing a close second, 10 minutes 53 seconds behind rally winner, Honda’s Ricky Brabec.

Branch was the early leader of the 2024 edition and was in very close contention for the win throughout the rally. Fears of him not making it to the finish line were there, his three teammates dropping out through the various stages of the rally. Thankfully, reliability issues didn’t strike him in what is said to be the HARDEST version of the Dakar yet.

The 450 Rally has well and truly established itself as a strong motorcycle to give the likes of the KTMs and Hondas a good run for their money. Hero will now look to continue this stunning performance in the other FIM World Cross Country Rally Championship rounds. While not only is Hero the only Indian manufacturer to become a Dakar rally podium finisher, it is also the second Indian marquee to earn a podium in an FIM World Championship event, alongside Mahindra Racing’s Moto3 efforts.