Hero MotoSports, along with the Indian contingent, has emerged victorious from one of the most challenging segments of the 2025 Dakar Rally: the notorious 48H Chrono. After Stage 2, Hero riders Ross Branch and Jose ‘Nacho’ Cornejo remain firmly entrenched in the top 10, with Branch holding third overall and Cornejo in ninth.
Branch: Third overall, 4 seconds behind Howes
Cornejo: Ninth overall
Raorane: 98th; Jain: 126th
Hero Riders Shine in Top 10 After Marathon Stage
The 48H Chrono, spanning an arduous 1,006km across two relentless days, tested every ounce of endurance and skill. Day 1 forced competitors to halt at one of six designated Break Points, where they braved the desert with only rudimentary camping equipment and limited provisions.
Hero’s riders powered through the 609km Day 1 stretch, reaching the penultimate Break Point. The second day’s 338km run saw Branch clock the fifth fastest stage time, allowing him to retain his third-place position overall, just four seconds shy of Honda’s Skyler Howes.
“Yesterday was full throttle – nine hours of intense motocross-style riding, start to finish. The group ride at km 250 was thrilling, even if breaking away wasn’t possible,” Branch remarked. “Camping in the desert was unforgettable. Sharing stories with fellow competitors made it even better. I’m just thankful to be back safe, with my bike in top form.”
Cornejo, meanwhile, finished 13th for the stage, securing his ninth-place overall standing as the rally progresses.
Raorane and Jain Tackle the Brutal Chrono
Ashish Raorane described the experience as “some of the toughest riding I’ve ever done.” With 537km still ahead on Day 2, Raorane pushed his limits to reach the bivouac before nightfall, now ranking 98th overall.
For rookie Jatin Jain, the stage was especially punishing. Two heavy crashes on the first day left him nursing injuries to his hand and back. Despite the setbacks, Jain completed the stage and currently holds 126th in the standings, demonstrating grit and determination.
Takale’s Efforts in the Dakar Classic
In the Dakar Classic class, Sanjay Takale excelled in the initial regularity tests but faltered during the navigation segment, missing several waypoints. He now sits 40th in the overall rankings, with hopes of clawing back positions in the coming stages.
Stay tuned for further updates as the 2025 Dakar Rally unfolds, pushing competitors to their absolute limits.
