An aerial drone photo taken on May 22, 2024 shows that driver Li Changbin of China and his pilot Feng Congbiao of China compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
URUMQI, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The second special stage (SS2) of the 2024 Taklimakan Rally kicked off on Wednesday, with this year's course along the desert flank allowing most racers to finish without significant difficulties.
The stage, spanning 200 kilometers, featured both the start and finish lines within the N39 Desert Scenic Area. After traversing a brief gravel road, competitors faced a vast, sunlit expanse of sand devoid of vegetation.
Due to weather conditions, the committee has canceled the motorcycle group race for the day.
Han Wei, the first racer to start, once again led the pack and reached the finish line first. Tao Yongming from the Hebei Qian'an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club finished second.
"The stage has a unique allure," Tao remarked, reflecting on his sixth participation in the rally. "My rhythm was excellent, and the car performed perfectly. We overtook several vehicles and reached the finish smoothly."
Tao's teammates, the mother-daughter duo of Sun Xiangyan and Ma Xin, faced their own set of challenges. 19-year-old Ma, participating in her first rally as her mother's navigator, persevered through heat exhaustion, ultimately completing the stage.
Racers will continue competing in the N39 stage on Thursday, which covers 283 kilometers. ■
Driver Song Xiaolong (R) of China and his pilot Wang Zhiqiang of China compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Dai Ziluan)
Driver Ding Yuanmeng of China and his pilot Liu Yuan of China compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Dai Ziluan)
Driver Deng Rengui (R) of China and his pilot Fan Lijun of China compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Dai Ziluan)
An aerial drone photo taken on May 22, 2024 shows that driver Sun Hao of China and his pilot Wang Dongdong of China compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
Driver Sun Xiangyan (front) of China and her pilot Ma Xin of China are seen during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
Driver Zi Yunliang of China and his pilot Sha He of China compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
Driver Fan Gaoxiang of China drinks water after finishing the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)
Driver Gordon Max Wesley of the United States and his pilot Zhao Xilai of China (R) compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Dai Ziluan)
