Dust storm shortens Taklimakan Rally's crucial N39 stage

The ninth stage of the Taklimakan Rally unfolded Saturday through the desert of Maigaiti County, Kashgar Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Originally planned at approximately 210 kilometers, the stage was significantly shortened to 81 kilometers due to a sudden sandstorm with low visibility and other adverse weather conditions.

As a signature classic stage of the rally, the N39 section is known for its pure desert terrain and complex road conditions. After consecutive days of high-intensity racing, both drivers and vehicles were pushed to their physical and performance limits entering the ninth stage. As the penultimate stage, the rally entered its decisive phase.