URUMQI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 Taklimakan Rally kicked off on Monday in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

This year's rally spans over 4,300 kilometers, featuring 10 special stages that pass through regions such as Kashgar, Hotan, and Aksu. More than half of the rally consists of desert stages. During the summer, the scorching temperatures of the Taklimakan Desert will test the limits of both racers and vehicles.

In the auto category, 90 cars are competing. Notable among them is Han Wei, who returns after a mechanical failure prematurely ended his title bid last year. He will face off against defending overall champion Zi Yungang, Zhang Guoyu, and Liu Yangui.

In the motorcycle category, 26-year-old French rider Neels Theric, who finished fourth in his debut at last year's rally, is seen as a top contender following his experience at the Dakar Rally earlier this year.

First held in 2005, the Taklimakan Rally has rapidly grown over the past two decades. It has been included in the International Automobile Federation (FIA) 2024 sporting calendar, allowing global automotive manufacturers and clubs to register on the FIA website. Enditem

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