Ready to go

That’s it, everything is almost ready. The 330 Gazelles received their road books and maps at noon upon arrival at the bivouac. Gathered in the big restaurant tent, they are plotting their route as they wait for the briefing by Ludovic Taché, the Sport Director. At just minutes from the start, they are so focused that it is difficult to get their impressions. The pressure is rising…

As is the tradition, this 28^th edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc will begin with a Prologue. This warmup leg is in the form of a short loop of about 3 hours. This 44-kilometre prologue provides an easy initiation for the teams and does not count for the rankings.

“Get used to your maps and compass and test your vehicle, because for many of you this is your first Rallye. Without your vehicle, you won’t make it to Essaouira so take good care of it, as much as you do yourselves.” The Gazelles have three checkpoints to find, placed around Nejjakh, close to the bivouac, on relatively flat terrain. It is a chance to get used to driving and map reading under easy conditions.

“Don’t tempt fate and risk sleeping off-bivouac tonight; it would be great if all teams arrived by 9 o’clock, in order to be in shape for the real start tomorrow morning.” Especially since the night is expected to be cool: three degrees this morning and the wind is expected to continue for the next 48 hours…