There are 7 checkpoints on today’s itinerary.
The playing field is wide and flat, but the first difficulties will slow the competitors down. Under the watchful eye of Amada du Guir on one side and the monumental Erg Chebbi on the other, the Gazelles will make their way across wide plains and low hills, and get their first taste of sand.
That is not to say that they will have an easy time of it.
It’s a good bet that the first problems – navigation or driving errors, vehicles stuck in the sand – will occur before the sun is high in the sky.
This is a land of brilliant light from morning to night, where landmarks are easily lost among the colours that constantly shift from one minute to the next.
Today’s goal is simple: continue to learn how to read the terrain and gauge the vehicle’s capabilities… without getting lost and dashing all hopes of a podium finish!
