Adverse weather reshaped the ninth stage of the Taklimakan Rally in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Saturday, as competitors battled sandstorms and high winds in a shortened but critical leg of the grueling motorsport event. Organizers reduced the planned 209.99-kilometer route to 81 kilometers due to safety concerns, testing drivers' adaptability in one of Asia's most demanding racing environments.
Lithuanian rider Arunas Gelazninkas of the Hoto Factory Racing Team triumphed in the motorcycle category with a time of 1:22:25, while teammate Martin Michek from the Czech Republic retained his overall lead. In the car division, China's Fan Gaoxiang and navigator Fu Liguo clocked the fastest time of 1:15:55, showcasing local expertise in harsh desert conditions.
With Sunday's final 52-kilometer stage looming, competitors face a high-stakes sprint to the finish line. The rally's blend of technical complexity and environmental extremes continues to draw global attention to Xinjiang's unique motorsport landscape, offering insights into both athletic endurance and regional climate patterns.
