Stage 7 of the Taklimakan Rally threw down a new challenge Wednesday as a dust storm swept across the 82-kilometer route in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With visibility dropping and dunes shifting, racers had to dial back speeds to stay on course.
In the motorcycle class, Hoto Factory Racing Team’s veteran Lithuanian rider Arunas Gelazninkas rode with precision, navigating multiple dune fields to post a winning time of 1:10:9. His Czech teammate, Martin Michek, managed the conditions smoothly and held onto the overall lead.
The car category remained a nail-biter. Duonai Shock Absorber Team’s Zhu Guanghai and navigator Chen Qingkai powered through the dust to claim Stage 7 in 1:03:29. Yet contenders Liu Yangui, Fan Gaoxiang and Tao Yongming stayed locked in on the overall title fight, separated by only minutes.
After the drama of dusty tracks and dune battles, crews will recharge on the rally’s final rest day Thursday. When action resumes, the field heads into the decisive stages around Makit County, Kashgar Prefecture, where overall champions will be crowned.
Reference(s):
Dust, drama force racers to slow down at Stage 7 of Taklimakan Rally
cgtn.com
