URUMQI, China, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The fifth special stage of the Taklimakan Rally on Sunday witnessed the failures of the rally-specific navigation system (ENB) for some racers, highlighting the unpredictable and demanding nature of the event.
"My ENB malfunctioned, so each checkpoint had to be repeatedly found and verified," said Kove rider Deng Liansong who finished third in the motorcycle category.
"But this is the charm of rally racing. If all the conditions were well, it wouldn't be called a rally," Deng added.
In the car category, Su Haotian of the Kunming Kedeng Group Eagles, was the first to reach the finish line. The second to arrive was Han Wei, who likened the day's search for checkpoints on the track to a game of hide and seek.
French rider Neels Theric from the Kove finished first in the motorcycle category, followed by Mongolian rider Purevdorj Murun from the Panda Racing Team and Deng.
Despite a distance of approximately 288 kilometers, making it one of the longest days for the racers, they also felt the enthusiasm of the local spectators along the way.
"Many villagers stood on the sand dunes and rooftops under the scorching sun to watch us race and cheer for us," said Deng.
The racers will continue with the sixth special stage on Monday, a classic stage that covers about 285 kilometers. ■
