The second special stage (SS2) of the 2024 Taklimakan Rally kicked off on Wednesday, with this year's course along the desert flank allowing most racers to finish without significant difficulties.

Driver Zi Yunliang of China and his pilot Sha He of China compete during the second stage at the 2024 Taklimakan Rally in Kashgar, China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

The stage, spanning 200 kilometers, featured both the start and finish lines within the N39 Desert Scenic Area. After traversing a brief gravel road, competitors faced a vast, sunlit expanse of sand devoid of vegetation.

Due to weather conditions, the committee has canceled the motorcycle group race for the day.

Han Wei, the first racer to start, once again led the pack and reached the finish line first. Tao Yongming from the Hebei Qian'an Jiujiang Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club finished second.

"The stage has a unique allure," Tao remarked, reflecting on his sixth participation in the rally. "My rhythm was excellent, and the car performed perfectly. We overtook several vehicles and reached the finish smoothly."

Tao's teammates, the mother-daughter duo of Sun Xiangyan and Ma Xin, faced their own set of challenges. 19-year-old Ma, participating in her first rally as her mother's navigator, persevered through heat exhaustion, ultimately completing the stage.

Racers will continue competing in the N39 stage on Thursday, which covers 283 kilometers.