Hey there, adventure lovers! Have you ever imagined racing through huge deserts with sandy dunes as far as the eye can see? That’s exactly what brave racers are doing at the Taklimakan Rally in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region!
What is the Taklimakan Rally?
The Taklimakan Rally is one of the toughest races in the world! It takes place in the vast Taklimakan Desert, where racers drive cars and ride motorcycles over challenging terrains. 🌵🏜️ It’s like a giant playground for the most daring drivers and riders!
Stage Two: Pushing the Limits!
On Thursday, the racers tackled the second special stage in Aksu Prefecture. This was the first big desert section of the race this year, and it was no easy ride! The new 115-kilometer route in Alar was added for the first time. It had soft dunes (imagine trying to drive on super soft sand!), unpredictable paths, and tricky landscapes that tested everyone’s driving skills and navigation. 🗺️
Who Zoomed Ahead?
Even though he wasn’t feeling well with a fever and headache, the super-tough Czech rider Martin Michek from the Hoto Factory Racing Team zoomed into first place again in the motorcycle division, finishing in just 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 51 seconds! 🏍️💨 Talk about determination!
In the car category, driver Zhang Biaobiao and navigator Wang Xiaofeng from the Gansu TV Chiyue Sports Racing Team were the fastest! They crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 7 seconds. 🚗🎉
Four-time champion Han Wei and his co-driver Ma Li decided to play it safe this time. They took a steady approach and finished the course in 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 22 seconds. Sometimes slow and steady wins the race, or at least keeps you in it! 🐢
What’s Next?
Coming up next is the third special stage on Friday, featuring a massive 335-kilometer route in Keping. It’s expected to be even more challenging! Will the racers conquer the desert again? Stay tuned to find out! 🌞🏁
Would you dare to race through a desert? Let us know! 😊
Reference(s):
Racers push limits in second special stage at Taklimakan Rally
cgtn.com
