This is the big day, much anticipated with excitement and a certain amount of dread.
The teams will have to confront the sand; there is no way out. But they will have 3 different routes to choose from: Z, Y and X.
Route Z meanders around the feet of the dunes: a good choice for the less experienced Gazelles. But be warned: Route Z is no joyride. While the slopes may be less steep and the hollows less deep, there is sand everywhere, and driving in sand remains a challenge whether up on top or down below.
And then there is Route Y, which passes close to the highest sandy peaks. While navigation is not particularly difficult, the terrain is more rugged and increases in difficulty as the day progresses.
Finally, there is Route X for those who dare. With veritable walls of sand rising before them, the Gazelles will need to circle around, take stock, coax their way over or through. Those coveted red flags, easily visible from the peaks at a distance of several hundred metres, will prove difficult to reach.
Whichever route they choose, the Gazelles will return to the bivouac proud and exhilarated at having defeated the sand giant.
Unable to take on the dunes, Crossover and e-Gazelle teams will have their share of challenges, with sandy oueds that will put up a resistance worthy of the most valiant Gazelles.
By the time they reach the Merch Irdane bivouac, everyone will have had their share of sand… We can promise you that!
