The Taklimakan Rally revved into action with its first special stage winding through the scenic Wensu Grand Canyon in the Chinese mainland's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Racers faced nearly 160 kilometers of washed-out paths, river crossings and a high-speed canyon dash, turning the landscape into a true test of endurance and precision.
In the motorcycle division, Czech rider Martin Michek from the Hoto Factory Racing Team set the pace, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 3 minutes and 36 seconds. His top qualifying position foreshadowed his win, as he navigated the rocky trails with a blend of tactical skill and raw speed.
The car category saw Fan Gaoxiang of the Hebei Qian'an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club, alongside navigator Fu Liguo, seize the lead with a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 11 seconds. Their seamless teamwork and strategic pace control kept them ahead of a tough field.
After clinching the opening win, the 32-year-old Fan shared his thoughts: "Everything went smoothly, as this was the first long stage, but it still felt more like a warm-up. For the next stage, we know there will be more desert terrain, so we will ease up the pace a bit. This was a high-speed stage, and once we hit the desert, that's when the real challenges of the Taklimakan Rally begin."
Stage 2 will push competitors onto 115 kilometers to Alar, where shifting sand dunes and harsh sun will separate the contenders from the pretenders. With bikes and cars charged up, the rally promises more headline-grabbing moments as it journeys deeper into the desert heart of Xinjiang.
Reference(s):
Taklimakan Rally: Stage 1 sends racers through Wensu Grand Canyon
cgtn.com
