Yallah, they’re off!
OFFICIAL START, PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS, NICE
It was 3 o’clock on the dot when Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice and Dominique Serra, founder and director of the event, gave the official start of the 28th edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc to a cacophony of honking horns and a phalanx of photographers.
A total of 143 teams, including six electric vehicles, crossed the start line before heading to Morocco and high adventure in the desert.
More than 25,000 people cheer on the Gazelles
A crowd of spectators and loved ones gathered on the Promenade des Anglais to attend the exciting start. Among them were many former Gazelles, recognizable by their iconic Rallye vests. Pauline took part in the Rallye for six consecutive years, from 2011 to 2016 : “For sure, I feel a pang in my heart. All the former Gazelles, the organizers… it’s great to see all these wonderful people again. I’m also here to encourage Teams 115 (Laurence SERAFIN / Pascale NAVARRO - Vinci immobilier) and 25 (Sophie TOESCA / Marion FINET) whom I helped to find sponsors.” Béata is from Cagnes-sur-Mer. “This is the first time I’ve come for the start. I love this rally. I’d love to do it myself one day!”
Some have travelled long distances for one last hug and final words of encouragement. Team 127 (Catherine ZAKEL / Nell BONNET) is well supported. Nell ‘s father and daughter made the trip from Gard, while Catherine’s father and son have come down from Moselle. “They’re afraid we won’t come back!” joke the Gazelles. They are accompanying their Gazelles all the way to Sète, and will be in Essaouira for the closing ceremonies. Lauranne and Estelle may be in the Gazelles’ shoes next year; they are already pre-registered. “We’ve come from Grenoble to see the official start and, honestly, we’re in a trance; it’s an amazing experience and we’re super motivated. Seeing all the 4×4s is really making the project real for us.” Karine is here to support her friends, Team 115 (Laurence SERAFIN / Pascale NAVARRO - Vinci immobilier). “I’m hoping to do it next year. The opening ceremonies are really exciting and I can’t wait to hear all about their experiences!” Team 225 (Nadege GIRARDOT / Delphine BIROLINI - Groupe NEDEY Automobiles) are surrounded by well-wishers: 18 friends and family members came in a minibus from Franche-Comté to cheer them on!
A kilometre of vehicles
The navigators sit in their windows, proudly waving the flag of their region or their country (in the case of the Canadians and the Swiss). For 30 minutes, under a blazing sun, the Gazelles paraded along the Promenade des Anglais, honking without stopping, slowed down by the odd red light. Françoise is drawing out the “goodbyes” with her three-year-old daughter. “We’re cheating a bit: we’re stopping at the house in Marseille, it’s along the way.” Team 187 (Jennifer KALKA / Jessica AUBERT - VULPES ZERDA) are stoked and highly confident: “We’re going to win the First Participation challenge of the 2018 Ralllye!” Team 197 (Delphine ARNAU / Dominique BESNIER - CRÉATIFS GROUPE PARIS/LYON (Installateur général de salons), who are doing the Rallye for the 4th and 3rd time, are calm and relaxed. “We’re impatient to get to Erfoud and the sand”. Do they have a goal this year? “We were 50th two years ago; we’re going to try to do better but we’re superstitious so we’re not going to tell you our goal!”
Arrival in Morocco Tuesday morning
The participants will be in Sète before nightfall. The Rallye partner GNV ferry sets sail Sunday in the middle of the afternoon, arriving at Tanger-Med port at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Across the Mediterranean, Morocco and the desert await them.
