Emotions at the briefing

“Welcome and congratulations to you all!” These words from Dominique Serra, founder and director of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, greet the Gazelles inside Nice’s Allianz Riviera Stadium. For this 28th edition, 79% of the Gazelles are living the adventure for the first time, a percentage that increases every year. “The Rallye is the same but the decor changes, the people change and everything has been done to ensure that you have the most amazing experience possible.”

This year, 165 teams are taking part in this off-road rally in the Moroccan desert. The 330 Gazelles represent 16 nationalities: Germany, Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Portugal, Austria, Spain, France, Hungary, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, UK, USA and, for the first time, China.

Each Gazelles has a story behind her participation in this rally. With an average age of 41 and representing more than 200 professions, some have teamed up with their mother or daughter, while others have chosen to live the adventure with a sister, cousin or colleague.

Before sending them on their way to tackle the various verification workshops, Dominique Serra had a special request for the Gazelles: “This evening, before you go to bed, please perform a Sun Dance so we have blue skies for tomorrow’s start! And, above all… enjoy yourselves! This is your moment!”

This request was met by applause and cheers from the crowd. There is already a great deal of emotion, hugs and even a few tears…
The tone is set for this 28th edition!