URUMQI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Top contenders delivered standout performances in stage 5 of the Taklimakan Rally on Monday.

The 287-kilometer stage, set against a dramatic backdrop of desert landscapes, featured undulating dunes and sudden drop-offs that pushed competitors' handling skills to the limit, while soaring temperatures and violent jolts on uneven terrain tested their endurance.

Two foreign riders from the Chongqing Hoto Factory Team delivered standout performances. Czech veteran Martin Michek, who had been hampered by injuries earlier in the rally, made an impressive comeback, finishing the stage with a commanding lead. His Lithuanian teammate, Arunas Gelazninkas, opened the stage and took on the demanding role of pathfinder, maintaining a steady pace despite the intense navigational challenges.

"I felt great today - like I was riding in Dakar," Michek said. "It was a very demanding route, especially the tall and long dunes in the second half. They were really hard to climb. But with five stages left, I'll keep pushing to get even better results."

In the car category, Liu Yangui of the Shaanxi Yunxiang Club, who led the overall standings after the first four stages, turned in another steady performance, revealing he completed the stage "without a single mistake".

"The Taklimakan Rally is a place to challenge yourself. It really tests your limits. I welcome more drivers to join this stage," said Liu.

The rally resumes Tuesday with SS6, a 288-kilometer route that spans wetlands, Gobi and desert terrain - offering both a visual spectacle and a true test of vehicle setup and driver adaptability. Enditem