The dune leg at last!

It’s the 3^rd day of competition, and fatigue is starting to set in. But above all, this is the Big Day: the much-anticipated (or dreaded) leg in the dunes! It covers an ideal distance of 80 to 110 kilometres and should take 8 hours.

Rallye sport director Ludovic Taché took the time to brief the Gazelles this morning: “This is the first time for many of you! Be careful but enjoy yourselves!”

There will be sand, and they will have to face it. They will have no choice. However, the teams can choose between three routes: Z, Y and X.

Route X is 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. This is the most challenging route, passing among the highest sandy peaks.

Route Y is intermediate. While navigation is not particularly difficult, the terrain is more rugged and increases in difficulty as the day progresses.

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: it offers its share of sand.

Each route is worth a different set of points, with Route X having the greatest value. Once a team starts the route of their choice, they cannot change routes.

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.

Some final advice: “You may get stuck in the sand. If it happens behind a dune, make sure you let others know you are there, by placing your bag or tent at the top… And every year, there are Gazelles who wander off in the dunes and lose sight of their vehicle! The navigator should always stay close, close and the driver must never move without telling the navigator.”

The wind has an important role to play when confronting the sand: “To be honest, you know that the wind has been blowing in every direction, which is why CP3 X has been moved; it was too exposed for my taste. The conditions will be different and changeable throughout the day. You will see dunes that have been blown in every direction.”

The Gazelles are in for a unique and exhilarating experience. Whichever route they choose, they will be proud and excited when they reach the new bivouac.