The Taklimakan Rally's third special stage unfolded on Friday across the vast sands of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Riders in the motorcycle category faced a 279.44-kilometer course that tested endurance and precision under blistering sun and swirling dust.
Early leader Martin Michek of the Hoto Factory Racing Team had been setting blistering pace but saw his momentum halted by a crash midway through the stage. Though he escaped serious injury, the incident reshuffled the leaderboard and opened the door for his teammate Arunas Gelazninkas.
Gelazninkas seized the moment, navigating the treacherous terrain in 3 hours, 32 minutes, and 52 seconds to claim top honors in the motorcycle class. His steady riding and strategic line choices highlighted the fine margins that decide desert rally battles.
Meanwhile, the car division tackled an even longer 334.61-kilometer loop. Su Haotian and navigator Ma Wenke from the Gansu TV Chiyue Sports Racing Team punched the fastest time at 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 42 seconds, showcasing seamless teamwork and vehicle resilience on the shifting dunes.
Looking ahead, Stage 4 on Saturday will cover 246 kilometers. After the day's racing, crews and vehicles will relocate to Luopu County in Hotan Prefecture, shifting base as the rally caravan advances deeper into the desert expanse.
With competition intensifying in both bike and car categories, young global fans and tech-savvy sports enthusiasts are following the timings, tactics, and terrain challenges as teams vie for overall glory under the desert sun.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
