Stage 4 of the Taklimakan Rally delivered an adrenaline rush as dust clouds swirled across the rugged terrain of the Chinese mainland's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Competitors tackled a demanding 246-kilometer route carved through a dried riverbed, where deep cuts and sudden drops put both skill and nerve to the test.
In the motorcycle category, several riders found themselves struggling to locate key waypoints amid the swirling dust. Yet, the Lithuanian rider Arunas Gelazninkas from the Hoto Factory Racing Team powered through to clinch first place with a time of 3:01:50. 🏍️💨 His performance turned the challenging chaos into a display of determination and focus.
The car division was equally enthralling. Zhu Guanghai and navigator Chen Qingkai of the Duonai Shock Absorber Team recorded the fastest time of 2:15:58, overtaking defending champion Han Wei and co-driver Ma Li, who finished in 2:18:39. Their seamless coordination and fearless approach highlighted the intense competitive spirit running through the event.
This past Sunday served as the rally's first rest day, giving teams a brief respite before they gear up for the next big challenge. Racing resumes Monday with the debut of the 282-kilometer SS5 stage—a course that was canceled last year due to extreme weather conditions. Expect more pulse-pounding action and daring moments as the rally continues to push the limits on one of the most challenging terrains on the Chinese mainland!
Reference(s):
Competitors battle dust clouds at Stage 4 in Taklimakan Rally
cgtn.com
