The ninth special stage of the Taklimakan Rally in the Chinese mainland's northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region faced a dramatic twist as fierce winds and sandstorms forced organizers to slash the course from 209.99 kilometers to just 81 kilometers. Despite the shortened route, riders and drivers encountered steep dunes, rocky outcrops and shifting sands in a true test of skill and endurance.
In the motorcycle category, Lithuanian rider Arunas Gelazninkas of the Hoto Factory Racing Team soared through the storm in 1:22:25, claiming the stage win. His teammate, the Czech Republic's Martin Michek, held onto the overall lead, leveraging consistency amid chaos.
On four wheels, local favorites Fan Gaoxiang and navigator Fu Liguo from the Hebei Qian'an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club set the pace in the car division with a blistering time of 1:15:55. With the final 52 kilometers looming on Sunday, every competitor vowed to push their limits under the desert sky.
As the rally heads into its closing chapter, the combination of raw terrain and extreme weather has elevated this edition into one of the toughest yet—offering a gripping finale for fans of extreme sports and adventure worldwide.
Reference(s):
Stage 9 shortened at Taklimakan Rally due to adverse weather
cgtn.com
