An emotional start at the Port of Nice
QUAI DE L’AMIRAL INFERNET, NICE
Nice | Official start
The heat is rising in the Port of Nice, particularly on the Infernet Quay, where the Pangaea batucada band is setting a lively mood for the Gazelles, who soon form a joyful dancing procession. And the surprises are not over for the teams. Former Gazelle Danielle Evenou is waiting for them on stage with words of encouragement: “You’re going to need a lot of courage, but you already have that. I’m not worried; I’ll see you in Essaouira“, says the pioneer of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc.
It’s time for the group photo, and for the occasion, every Gazelle is given a “Rallye des Gazelles” rose, compliments of Arnaud Delbard, a flower specially created for the event’s 30th anniversary. “It’s a scent we associate with the start, so it has an even sweeter fragrance“, comments Peggy of Team 264 (Magali LESCALLIER / Peggy ALEXANDRE). “Yallah“, “Once a Gazelle, always a Gazelle“, the teams shout in chorus, forming a real field of roses.
The time for goodbyes approaches, but before that, Flo Delavega offers them a mini-concert. After the group photo, it’s time to immortalize the final moments with the family before boarding their vehicles to form the starting parade, led by Team 240 (Juliette LEPAGE / Dominique CAPDEVIELLE / Sandrine LEPAGE) on board their fire truck.
“The culmination of two and a half years of work”
It’s an emotional start. Anna-Bella of Team 192 (Anna-Bella PEREIRA / Christine DORIDANT) explains: “I’m crying because this is the culmination of two and a half years of work, of waiting. I have the feeling I’m going to cry a lot!” Agne of Team 114 (Agne TELYCENAITE / Astrid DECOURCELLE) is waving a flag: “I am very proud to be the first Lithuanian to do the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc in thirty years of existence”. Hers is not the only flag flying above the vehicles. France, Belgium, New Zealand, as well as the different regions of France… This is part of what the Rallye is all about: multiculturalism!
Visitors crowd along the barriers to get a good look at the start parade. The official start is given jointly by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, and General Dominique Arbiol, a powerful symbol as she is the first woman to head the French Air Force training school. And they’re off! The Gazelles set off in a concert of horns and to the sound of “I follow you” by Lykke Li.
