22eme édition - du 17 au 31 mars 2012
Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles
La référence féminine depuis 1990
Daily Report
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Daily Report
The race to the workshops
Strong winds but bright sunshine for this day of preparation and setup. Every workshop is bustling with activity: medical interviews, technical and administrative verification, decorating the vehicles with stickers of the official Rallye sponsors... As well as the installation of the IRITRACK devices that allow tracking and instant satellite positioning of every team out on the course...
Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles - Let's go!!
After months of waiting, struggling to find sponsors, preparing their teams, they are finally here! With the fishing port for a background, amidst the cries of seagulls, the 1st gathering of the 21st edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles took place at 06:00 in the port town of Sète in the south of France...
When every detail counts...
Calm sea and a studious atmosphere this afternoon on board the Biladi. It is time to prepare maps and revise navigation techniques with the help of returning Gazelles and organizers...
Because finding your way during the Rallye involves headings, maps, navigation ruler, compass and careful calculations...
Because finding your way during the Rallye involves headings, maps, navigation ruler, compass and careful calculations...
The Rallye as a new point of departure
Régine Maitrel wouldn't have missed this moment for anything in the world. A year ago, Régine was among the teams at the start line... and had no idea that the Rallye would change her life. Along with her teammate, she lived the advenure to its fullest, pushed her limits, and showed herself that "she had many skills that she had underestimated"...
An emotional start for the 21st edition
With brilliant sunshine, an enthusiastic public, cameramen, journalists and, of course, a crowd of radiant Gazelles, Sète looks like a celebrity boardwalk this afternoon. On Quai Léopold Suquet, each team is presented to the public: pros or beginners, 24 to 63 years of age, including ex-beauty queens, dentists, postal workers and students, this year's 220 competitors are from 15 different countries, a diverse and elegant mix, the mix that gives the Rallye its unique character. Of course, André Manoukian, friends, families and sponsors are here as well to encourage them one last time before they board ship for Morocco.
Alexandra Lavarelo, 27, who is competing for the second time with Nathalie Lejault (Team 188), has the encouragement of her mum, who can hardly contain her enthusiasm and pride when the Mitsubishi L200 purrs up onto the podium: "They have to dig out of the sand, repare the vehicle, it's a great experience, I just can't express how proud I am of her". And for good reason: last yeat, the team won the Logica Eco-driving Challenge and this year, they have set their sights on the Hexis Beauty Car Challenge for the most beautifully decorated vehicles. But the competition will be tough this year: a lot of attention has been paid to wrapping the vehicles, such as Team 135 (Celia LE BORGNE and Gwenola GUYOT); covered with succulent pastries, their KDJ 120 is simply delicious!
And while each team has its moment of glory, the Biladi chartered by Rallye partner Comanav-Comarit awaits; it is time to board for the 48-hour crossing to Tangier... All sights on Morocco...
Sète, starting town
On Saturday March 19th in SETE on the Mediterranean coast of France, the administrative and technical verifications take place for the 21st edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc.
220 Gazelles and 150 organizers work together to complete the preparations for the competition.
PROGRAM:
The Gazelles start to arrive in Place Stalingrad, Sète at 06:00.
Administrative and technical verifications.
Wellwishers come to Place Stalingrad to support the Gazelles from 9:00 on.
The offical start takes place along Quai Léopold Suquet at 15:00.
We would like to thank François Commeinhes: Mayor of Sète, and the Sète Tourist Office for their welcome.
At 16:00 - The teams and many members of the organization board Le Marrakech, ferry of Rallye partner La COMANAV.
Departure for Tangiers. The Gazelles will be at sea for two days and two nights... plenty of time to revise navigation concepts and swap stories and information with the experienced Gazelles. They will arrive at Tangiers Med Port at noon on Monday March 21st.
220 Gazelles and 150 organizers work together to complete the preparations for the competition.
PROGRAM:
The Gazelles start to arrive in Place Stalingrad, Sète at 06:00.
Administrative and technical verifications.
Wellwishers come to Place Stalingrad to support the Gazelles from 9:00 on.
The offical start takes place along Quai Léopold Suquet at 15:00.
We would like to thank François Commeinhes: Mayor of Sète, and the Sète Tourist Office for their welcome.
At 16:00 - The teams and many members of the organization board Le Marrakech, ferry of Rallye partner La COMANAV.
Departure for Tangiers. The Gazelles will be at sea for two days and two nights... plenty of time to revise navigation concepts and swap stories and information with the experienced Gazelles. They will arrive at Tangiers Med Port at noon on Monday March 21st.
Under the patronage of his majesty King Mohammed VI