Health above all

On the eve of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, nothing is left to chance. Everything is carefully verified, from the state of the vehicles to the health of the participants.

To ensure that they are fit to compete, the event organizer requires the Gazelles to provide a medical certificate and a first-aid kit. The latter must include painkillers, bandages and other basic medical necessities as well as a survival blanket.

Keyword: Hydration!

Benoît Derrien is one of the doctors at Nice’s Allianz Riviera Stadium today. He is also there to preach prevention. “It is essential to stay hydrated and eat well.” In Morocco, he will be accompanied by four other doctors, two nurses, a physiotherapist and an osteopath, reachable at all times. There will also be a medical helicopter on location. Another reminder: helmets and seat belts are mandatory.

And solidarity as well…

One last, but not least, piece of advice: “Make sure you take a real break at lunchtime; you could even take a nap. You will feel the fatigue more and more each day, getting up at 4 in the morning. And watch out for each other!”