The ninth special stage of the Taklimakan Rally, held in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, presented significant technical challenges despite being shortened due to unfavorable weather conditions. This stage proved crucial for competitors as they approached the final push towards the finish line.
Organizers were compelled to reduce the originally planned distance of 209.99 kilometers to a mere 81 kilometers due to strong winds, sandstorms, and other environmental difficulties. These conditions significantly impacted the race.
In the motorcycle category, Arunas Gelazninkas, representing the Hoto Factory Racing Team and hailing from Lithuania, secured the stage victory with a time of 1:22:25. Meanwhile, his teammate, Martin Michek from the Czech Republic, maintained his overall lead in the competition.
The car division saw Fan Gaoxiang and navigator Fu Liguo, representing the Hebei Qian'an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club, achieve the fastest time of 1:15:55. The rally was scheduled to conclude with its final stage on Sunday. With only 52 kilometers remaining, competitors were determined to push themselves to their limits.
5 Comments
Africa
Impressive to see competitors pushing through despite the challenges. Real sportsmanship!
Donatello
Can’t wait to see how the final stage plays out. Excited for all the athletes competing!
Bella Ciao
They should have tried harder to stick to the original plan. This feels like a letdown.
Muchacha
I feel bad for the competitors who trained for the full distance, only to get cheated out of it.
Mariposa
Flexibility is key in racing. The competitors are proving they can handle anything!