INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
One of Asias most grueling and distinguished motorsport events is back in the middle of sands of Taklimakan, northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uygur
The 21st Taklimakan Rally roared to life in Aksu Prefecture, drawing off-road racing teams and leading global rivals from around the world
Find out more about the event with CGTN Sports Scenes Shen Xiang.The Taklimakan rally will run for 13 days, covering an overall range of
approximately 5,183 kilometers
The competition includes 10 special stages where racers will deal with a difficult mix of terrains.This years rally has actually drawn in
130 groups with a total of 233 rivals
One is Martin Michek, who ended up 10th in the Dakar Rally in 2021 and 2024
He enjoyed his time here and has full marks for the events company
I think in general, the organization looks very good, Michek stated
You understand, I was surprised at the paddock here, its so big, with many automobiles therefore numerous rivals
I was like, wow, yeah, its a rather a big rally
And I believe that I will enjoy this
Since being founded in 2005, the Taklimakan Rally has developed over the previous 21 years into the longest and largest international
cross-country rally in Asia
It has been drawing worldwide racers from countries including the UK, France, the Czech Republic, and Spain
Aliyyah Koloc stated she was drawn to the rally by its growing reputation
Its really exciting to be here
Its a two week long race, Koloc stated
So its going to be something brand-new due to the fact that Ive never ever raced in China before
There will be new lessons every day
So far, its been very intriguing and Im really excited for the next two weeks
Well, this race I heard a lot about it, and its one of the greatest races here
So I enjoy doing tough races
Ive been to the Dakar rally
This is, I think, the next finest thing
This is the 3rd year that Koloc has partnered with co-driver Sebastien Delaunay
The two have actually formerly completed together in Dakar and the French navigator is up until now enjoying his time off the track in China
The chicken feet were a bit strange for me, but I tried, Delaunay stated
I live in Italy, so I like the food
And yes I attempted a lot of things and we moved a bit and saw the landscape, likewise the mountain
And when we came here on the flight, the view was fantastic
The competitors will get to grips with the first stage on Wednesday with the rally set to conclude on June 1.
