A day of procedures to ensure safety at the Rallye
KASBAH XALUCA, ERFOUD
Erfoud | Checks
Same thing, different day: it’s time to start all over again on this Monday in Erfoud. After Nice on Friday, it is the turn of the teams who went straight to Morocco to undergo their technical, administrative and medical verifications here at the gateway to the desert. This rather studious day allows the organizer to ensure that all the health and safety conditions are in place for a successful start to the Rallye.
The doctors check the teams’ first aid kits and make sure the Gazelles are in good physical condition. “We note each participant’s medical history, treatments, allergies and pathologies in a document that we take with us, out on the terrain, in case of the need for medical intervention. It allows us to take a quick look at the teams’ medical files”, explains Maud, one of the organization doctors.
The first sporting event to return to Morocco
It is also time for the teams to discover their famous vests and the various gifts provided by the event’s partners for this 30th edition, as well as the little surprises the organization has planned for them. Catherine of Team 21 (Catherine KERAMIDAS / Hélène LEMAITRE) is pleasantly surprised to receive the badge indicating the number of times she has done the Rallye. “Why do I have a 14?” she asks, before understanding the significance and exclaiming: “I didn’t realize I’d done it so many times; that’s amazing!”
“I am very happy to see you here today”, says Dominique at the opening of the briefing, before going on to note that the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is the first sporting event to return to Morocco since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure of the country’s borders to tourists. The teams applaud, well aware of how privileged they are to be able to be here, just two days from the start of the event, after eighteen months of waiting.
“We’ve been waiting for so long that we’re going to live the adventure at 200%”, declares Dorothée of Team 35 (Dorothée LANGLOIS / Virginie HENRIOT). “Covid has really strengthened our thirst for adventure. After two years of crisis, we’re not doing it for the same reasons, and we’re aware of how lucky we are to be able to experience this”, says Clémence of Team 260 (Fatym LAYACHI / Clémence LABATUT). “This event is an opportunity to rediscover solidarity and community”, observes Fatym, visibly moved. Once the day’s work is over, the Gazelles enjoy some well-earned rest around the pool: a few last moments of relaxation before the action begins.
