Urumqi, China - September 08, 2026 - The 2026 China DHD Rally will take place from September 4 to 11 in Hami and Turpan, Xinjiang. Covering an overall distance of approximately 2,500 kilometres, the event features around 1,300 kilometres of special stages, consisting of a qualifying stage and six special stages, including one marathon stage and one pure-desert stage.
According to the organising committee, stage lengths have been further extended compared with previous editions. The longest single stage exceeds 300 kilometres, and the two-day marathon stage totals roughly 400 kilometres. Major track challenges are concentrated in the first two stages: the opening section of SS1 is heavily reliant on heading navigation, while the first half of SS2 runs through complex terrain such as fish-scale dunes and water-scoured dry riverbeds. During the marathon stage, riders shall perform vehicle maintenance and repairs independently at the unsupported bivouac at Sandaoling Gymnasium, which thoroughly tests riders’ comprehensive capabilities.
Thirty-nine entries are signed up for National Group A, including 31 motorcycles and 8 UTVs. The entry list features multiple champion-level riders. Kove Rally Team is led by French rider Niels Terrick, Group A champion of the 2025 China DHD Rally, and third-place finisher Sunil. Its affiliate MRG-Kove Rally Team fields Czech stars Milan Engel and Martin Micek. Engel, a 12-time Dakar competitor, holds the official “Legendary Rider” title; Micek took Group A runner-up at the 2025 China DHD Rally.
Zhang Xue Motorcycle Racing Team makes its debut at the event. Zhang Xue, Deng Liansong and Austrian rider Tobias Ebster compete in Group A. Deng Liansong is the overall winner of the Local Group as well as the Unsupported Motorcycle Group champion of the 2025 China DHD Rally.
Sipusen Rally Team is headed by Mongolian rider Muren, who ranked 29th overall in the motorcycle category at the 2026 Dakar Rally. Abas Ghapar and Ezher Ghapar from SFR Moto Travel Guide Team race on Kove 450 Rally EX machines. Four riders from Xinjiang Feitie Rally Team — Su Haobo, Si Kai, Zhang Qianyuetong and Duan Bo — also contest Group A of the 2026 China DHD Rally.
Zaker Yakup, motorcycle class champion of this year’s Taklimakan Rally, races for Zhixin Media Wonderful Online Team. Teammates Qian Zhixin / Bai Zhonghua compete in the UTV category.
UTV entries also include Wang Xiaoming / Yang Wei, Li Song / Lü Jingke from Can-Am Ruixingzhe Team, and He Rongzhe / Hao Xingyu, Shi Xiaokun / Li Weiqing from Xi’an Jidao Sports Team.
The opening ceremony and start ceremony will be held on the morning of September 4 at the Hami Sports Centre bivouac, followed by the qualifying stage at Nanhu Bridge with a special-stage distance of 19.36 kilometres.
First held in 2024, China DHD Rally was upgraded to a national-level rally in 2025. According to the organising committee, this year’s event is run in accordance with FIM World Rally-Cross Championship regulations. It adopts international top-tier event standards to optimise the race schedule, safety system and operational procedures, and applies digital event tools including electronic roadbooks and satellite tracking. The rally has obtained official FIM registration, and China DHD Rally is formally listed on the official FIM international race calendar.
About China DHD Rallyï¼
Hosted across Hami and Turpan, Xinjiang, the 2026 China DHD Rally is a FIMâregistered longâdistance offâroad event. Covering a total route of 2,500â¯km with 1,300â¯km of competitive special stages, it crosses Yardang landforms, gobi deserts and dunes. Top riders worldwide compete over 8âday gruelling races including a marathon noâsupport stage, showcasing speed, endurance and the charm of the ancient Silk Road.
Media Contact
Company Name: Xinjiang Daming Sports & Culture Co., Ltd.
Contact Person: Yao Fengping
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City: Urumqi
Country: China
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