'Aicha des Gazelles' women adventure ends in celebration
Morocco, Sports, 5/11/2005

"Aicha des Gazelles" 2,500-km journey through the Moroccan Sahara ended, in Essaouira Saturday, in celebration.

Essaouiris extend a warm welcome to participants in the 15th edition of the unique women-only race as Gnaoua band and Fantasia horsemen celebrated world gazelles in the typically Moroccan hospitality.

The welcome was so soul-stirring that some gazelles burst into tears. "The rally is a magnificent event in a magnificent country," said the rally organiser, Dominique.

winners of 4X4 category, Canadians Annie Lapointe and Brigitte Saucier were thrilled by the welcome the imperial city devoted to the rally gazelles and voiced willingness to take part in the future edition.

On Saturday, The women's version of the Paris-Dakar Rally that is open to various motorised land vehicles notably motorbikes, quad bikes, 4WDs, trucks, buggies etc consecrated its winners.

Organised under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, "Aicha des Gazelles" is a unique women-only race that involves driving off-road for nearly 2,800 km through the Moroccan Sahara natural spots.

Hundred of teams from over 14 different nationalities took part in the 15th edition including many world celebrities notably Honorary advisor to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), SyndiŽly Wade who spearhead an initiative to involve youth and sports as part of a broad mobilization to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The daughter of Senegalese President, conducted a lobbying action with UNESCO to promote fighting AIDS.

In addition to Wade, Miss France 2004, Laetitia BlŽger and descent Olympic champion 2003 and world champion 2002, Carole Montillet and famous dress designer, Alejandra di Andia put pedals on the metal.

World journalists and TV (over 10 channels) covered this unique endurance event.

Created in 1990, the eight-day race is the ultimate test of navigation, endurance and driving skills as the two-person teams drive across the desert using only a compass and military maps without any support of modern GPS devices.

Speed is not taken into account in the ranking of the event as competitors must combine strategy, keen driving and a sharp sense of direction.

The Cameroon saxophonist, Manu Dibangu's tunes draw the curtain on this edition that took place April 21 through 30.

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