Day One Update of the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles
March 18, 2010 by
Fish
Filed under
Press Releases, Rally
The Rallye Aicha des Gazelles is One Day In and Already Big News
Day One of Competition -
The sun has set and 50% of the teams are still in the field. For the teams that have returned to the bivouac a variety of emotions have gone through the tent. For some, the site of the large white structure was enough to make them smile because of exhaustion. Others spoke much about the beauty of the landscape and the culture while a few teams reflected on the first day of action and how far they are from the finish line. While rally officials are still determining the team that is currently leading the pack, most Gazelles were just happy to finish the day.
The Prologue Day -
Yesterday, 110 teams from 14 countries headed out five by five, every two minutes, under beautiful bluebird skies, to test their theories and their vehicles. While it was a very successful day for most teams, one couple decided to spend the night in the desert. Canadian team #110, Marie-France Belisle and Josée Beaudry, decided to sleep two kilometers from the bivouac. The team was settled in their tent when the safety vehicle found them. Team #110 decided to rough it in the desert until the first morning of competition.
US Team Update -
Team Miller Fisher made it to the Bivouac hitting three of the five checkpoints in their first leg. They took a detour right outside of checkpoint three but Fisher used her navigation training to steer the usgazelles back on the correct course. While disappointment spread across their faces for missing the two checkpoints, they are grateful to have made it back to the bivouac for a good nights sleep.
All Women Rally, Not Just Women?
The twentieth anniversary brought a surprise for the Gazelles this year. An all women rally? I don’t think so. While their is only one team that is made up of the Y chromosome they are not contenders for a place on the podium. David Casteu, a seven time Dakar Rally participant, and teammate Eric Tabarly, winner of several Grand Prix races, join the Gazelles to see what this all women rally raid is about.
David Casteau after the Prologue: “Superb, superb! It is something completely new… we got lost right away, which forced us to really concentrate… It was great! And the navigation, finding points on a map, it was really interesting watching Eric at work. No shoveling yet, we will see what happens tomorrow!”
Team 199 has made it to the Bivouac after the first day of competition.
Follow the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles -
To write to the Gazelles or to follow the Rally live click here. For photo requests (photo credit: Dan Campbell-Lloyd) please contact kellan@soulsidenetwork.com.
