The prologue: a leg for “learning”

First surprise for the Gazelles before the start of the prologue of this 30th edition! “We’re inaugurating the comfort category”, announces Dominique. “Each day before the start of the leg, a draw will be held to select two teams who will spend the night in a VIP tent. Tonight, Teams 155 (Stéphanie SIRAND-REY / Audrey LAURY) and 212 (Daphnée STALPORT / Marjorie DEMONCEAUX) will have the chance to sleep in a real bed, in a big tent with electricity!”

After this brief interlude, concentration is in order as the Sports Director takes over the microphone. The maps have been distributed and the navigators are busy plotting their points. Today’s “warmup” leg includes three checkpoints – also known as CPs – to be found. “Be careful, oueds mean sand”, warns Ludo, who encourages the teams: “Take advantage of this leg to learn”. No time to waste, the Gazelles are expected on the start line. “See you this evening… at least I hope so”, concludes the Sports Director.