Hey there, speed lovers! 🚀 The Taklimakan Rally has kicked off with an electrifying Stage 1 in the scenic Wensu Grand Canyon, set in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Racers tackled nearly 160 km of washed-out paths, tricky river crossings, and a high-speed dash through rugged canyon terrain.
In the motorcycle division, Czech rider Martin Michek, representing the Hoto Factory Racing Team, zipped past the finish line in 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 36 seconds, proving his mettle on these challenging routes. 🏍️
The car category was just as action-packed, with Fan Gaoxiang and navigator Fu Liguo from the Hebei Qian'an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club speeding to victory in 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 11 seconds. Their win sets the pace for the next 115-km stage leading to Alar, ramping up the intensity for what many expect to be an epic desert showdown.
“Everything went smoothly, as this was the first long stage, but it still felt more like a warm-up,” the 32-year-old winner shared, hinting at the tougher challenges that lie ahead in the vast desert. Stay tuned for more heart-pounding action as the rally roars on!
Reference(s):
Taklimakan Rally: Stage 1 sends racers through Wensu Grand Canyon
cgtn.com
