Stage 9 of the Taklimakan Rally in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was cut short on Saturday due to severe sandstorms and strong winds. Originally planned as a 209.99-kilometer trek, the stage was reduced to just 81 kilometers because of the harsh weather conditions.
Despite the shortened distance, competitors faced significant technical challenges on the course. In the motorcycle category, Lithuanian rider Arunas Gelazninkas from the Hoto Factory Racing Team claimed victory with a time of 1 hour, 22 minutes, and 25 seconds. His teammate, Martin Michek from the Czech Republic, maintained his overall lead in the competition.
In the car division, Fan Gaoxiang and navigator Fu Liguo from the Hebei Qian’an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club posted the fastest time of 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 55 seconds.
The rally is set to conclude with its final stage on Sunday, featuring a 52-kilometer route. With the finish line in sight, drivers and riders are gearing up to push themselves to the limit in hopes of securing a podium finish.
