The third stage of the 2024 Taklimakan Rally was shortened by nearly half due to a severe sandstorm that blurred visibility.

URUMQI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The third special stage (SS3) of the Taklimakan Rally unfolded amidst a sandstorm on Thursday, causing several participants to lose their way during the race.

Due to the impact of the sandstorm, the committee decided to shorten the race distance from the originally planned 283 kilometers to 150 kilometers. The starting point of the stage remained the same as SS2, with similar overall terrain features.

In the car category, Tao Yongming from Hebei Qian'an Jiujian Auto and Motorcycle Sports Club was the first to reach the finish line of the stage, followed by Han Wei.

The severe sandstorm posed great challenges to the participants, with visibility dropping to only about 20 meters at one point.

Wu Zhenxuan from the British Bell Lubricants Extreme Sports Team told media that he got lost during the middle of the race, causing a delay of half an hour.

"Many navigators couldn't find the way at the K59 checkpoint, and at least 20 vehicles gathered there," he said.

In the motorcycle category, French rider Neels Theric from the Kove once again finished first.

"Although today's stage was shortened, the sandy terrain was very soft, combined with the severe sandstorm, making it still a 'long' race day," said Theric.

The racers will enjoy a rest day on Friday.  ■