Down to serious business!

“Yesterday’s leg was just for you to learn to use the maps and to try out driving in the desert, for those who have never done it before”, observes Ludo at the outset, before reminding the Gazelles: “Mechanical assistance was free yesterday! Of course, that’s over now! As of today, everything counts!”

For this first leg, the Gazelles will have the chance to drive through a zone that is usually closed, but is exceptionally open for this 30th edition. “It’s a magnificent area”, explains Ludo. This zone is located close to the Algerian border. But the Gazelles have no need to worry, it’s impossible for them to end up in Algeria because the border is marked by a large wall.

Exceptionally, today’s route will end at CP7, except for teams on Route G (electric vehicles). Kilometre readings will be noted at the last checkpoint, but teams will still have to stop by the ranking office at the bivouac as usual. “It’s going to be hot; keep drinking lots of water and protect yourselves from the sun”, concludes Ludo as the Gazelles start to plot their first points.