URUMQI, China, June 1 (Xinhua) -- After 13 grueling days across the deserts of northwestern China, the Taklimakan Rally concluded Sunday with the Chongqing Hoto Factory Team sweeping the motorcycle podium, and Liu Yangui of the Shaanxi Yunxiang Team capturing the overall title in the car division.
The final special stage (SS10) covered just 52 kilometers, but thick, soft sand and intense wind made it a challenging conclusion to one of Asia's toughest off-road races. In the motorcycle category, however, the overall outcome was already all but decided before the day began.
The Chongqing Hoto Factory Team dominated from start to finish, ultimately sweeping the podium.
Czech rider Martin Michek clinched the overall title with a total time of 28 hours, 31 minutes and 4 seconds, leading a commanding performance by the team. His Lithuanian teammate, Arunas Gelazninkas, followed closely in second with a time of 28:52:39, while China's Shi Haoyu completed the podium, finishing more than an hour behind Gelazninkas.
"Today's stage was beautiful -- just over 50 kilometers, but full of wind and sand, and very hard to navigate," Michek said at the finish. "It's an emotional moment to reach the end. This race was extremely tough, but I really enjoyed competing in China."
In the car category, Liu claimed the overall title with a time of 27 hours, 8 minutes and 15 seconds.
"In fact, we still have more potential to unleash -- if the stages had been even tougher, our advantage would have been more obvious. Winning the overall title was our only goal, and it's the greatest recognition we could receive," said Liu. "I'm extremely grateful to the team and all the support staff."
Tao Yongming of the Hebei Qian'an Jiujiang Auto & Motorcycle Sports Club finished second in 27:25:24, while Lin Dewei, representing the Duonai Shock Absorber Team, secured third place.
In the highly anticipated debut of the new energy (T2.E) category, Yao Weiqiang of the Great Wall Tank Hi4 Team took the win with a total time of 37 hours, 30 minutes and 42 seconds. Enditem
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