The fourth special stage of the Taklimakan Rally tested grit and skill under dense dust clouds in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Riders and drivers tackled a 246-kilometer high-speed route carved through a dried riverbed, where deep cuts and sudden drops demanded unwavering focus.
In the motorcycle category, the Hoto Factory Racing Team's Lithuanian ace Arunas Gelazninkas blazed through the dust to claim first place with a time of 3:01:50. Several competitors struggled to locate crucial waypoints, highlighting the stage's navigational challenges.
On four wheels, the Duonai Shock Absorber Team shone as Zhu Guanghai and navigator Chen Qingkai set the pace with a fastest time of 2:15:58. They edged out defending champion Han Wei and co-driver Ma Li, who crossed the finish in 2:18:39.
After a well-earned rest day on Sunday, the rally resumes Monday with the 282-kilometer SS5 – a stage postponed last year by extreme weather and now making its long-awaited debut. As dust settles on Stage 4, teams are gearing up for another epic desert showdown.
Reference(s):
Competitors battle dust clouds at Stage 4 in Taklimakan Rally
cgtn.com
