Branch wins Dakar stage as Howes retains bike lead

Ross Branch made amends for running out of fuel in the previous two stages by firing his bike to a welcome win on the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally on Sunday.

After Saturday's washout, when torrential rains trashed the route, the bikers were back into a mesh of stony valleys and massive sand dunes as they tackled the 346 kilometre special between Al-Duwadimi and Riyadh.

Branch, from Botswana, completed the course on his Hero 3 minutes 15 seconds ahead of the Australian Daniel Sanders (GasGas).

"It's been a terrible week for us," said 36-year-old Branch.

"We ran out of fuel, which was completely unexpected and nobody's fault.

"I needed to get back on top for myself and for the team. They've worked so hard.

"We've been perfect today and that's what counts."

Sanders, who lost the overall lead during a disastrous stage on Thursday, benefitted on Sunday from a two-minute penalty handed out to Mason Klein (KTM) for speeding in the road section.

That cost the 21-year-old Californian the overall lead and allowed compatriot Skyler Howes (Husqvana) to retain first place ahead of Monday's rest day.

Howes holds a 1min 13sec lead over Klein, who was given third in the stage.