The 21st Taklimakan Rally thundered into action on May 20, kicking off a 13-day, 5,183-kilometer adventure across the dunes of the Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. As one of Asia’s most grueling cross-country events, the rally draws 130 teams and 233 competitors from around the globe.
From Aksu Prefecture to remote desert outposts, racers will tackle 10 special stages featuring shifting sands, rocky tracks and high-altitude mountain passes. For Martin Michek, a two-time top-10 finisher at the Dakar Rally, the scale of the event is a major draw. "I was surprised at the paddock here—it’s so big, with so many cars and competitors. It’s quite a big rally, and I think I will enjoy this," he said.
Since its 2005 debut, the Taklimakan Rally has grown into Asia’s longest and largest international off-road series, attracting teams from the UK, France, the Czech Republic and Spain. Aliyyah Koloc, who is racing with co-driver Sebastien Delaunay for the third time, said the rally’s reputation sealed the deal. "It’s a two-week-long race—new terrain, new lessons every day. I’ve heard this is one of the biggest races here, and I love tough challenges," she explained.
Delaunay, a veteran navigator, is embracing both the course and local culture. "The landscapes are stunning, and yes, I tried the local chicken feet—strange, but fun! The views from the flight here were amazing," he added.
With the first stage kicking off later this week, all eyes are on the shifting dunes and winding desert tracks as the race runs through to June 1. Will local knowledge give Chinese teams an edge, or will international contenders seize the lead? Stay tuned for live updates from the world’s toughest desert rally.
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Engines roar as 21st edition of Taklimakan Rally begins on May 20
cgtn.com
