The Taklimakan Rally came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as participants wrapped up an arduous journey covering over 4,000 kilometers. The competition featured 10 special stages with a total race length of 2,350 kilometers, pushing drivers and riders to their limits.
Since its launch in 2005, the Taklimakan Rally has evolved into Asia’s longest, largest, and most competitive off-road race. This year’s edition showcased 23 motorcycles and 105 vehicles navigating approximately 5,200 kilometers over 13 days, traversing diverse terrains including deserts, gravel paths, rivers, and mountains.
In the car category, Liu Yangui and navigator Chen Feng from the Shan’xi Yunxiang Team claimed victory with an overall time of 27 hours, 8 minutes, and 15 seconds. This triumph marks Liu’s second Taklimakan Rally win, having previously topped the podium in 2014.
Tao Yongming and co-driver Shen Xin of the Hebei Qian’an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club secured second place, while the duo of Lin Dewei and navigator Wang Yang from the Duonai Shock Absorber Team took third.
The motorcycle division saw the Hoto Factory Racing Team’s Martin Michek from the Czech Republic seize the title with a total time of 28 hours, 31 minutes, and 4 seconds. His Lithuanian teammate, Arunas Gelazninkas, closely followed in second place. China’s own Shi Haoyu delivered an impressive performance to round out the podium in third.
The drivers and riders demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance, conquering some of the most challenging landscapes Xinjiang has to offer. Their achievements not only highlight the growing prestige of the Taklimakan Rally but also inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
