Exclusively-for-women rally holds its 11th edition

The 11th edition of the trophy "Aicha Des Gazelles 2001," a race exclusively for women will be held throughout Moroccan desert next April 19-26, after the official departure on April 14-15 from France.

The eight-day-long rally will take women on 4x4 cars, motorcycles or trucks along 2,000 km between Zagora and Erfoud (in southern Morocco). For this year, participants will not have the "Global Positioning System" and the "Road book," said organizers.

Non-professional women participants will have to show an acute sense of orientation, in this test of endurance that combines strategy and driving skills. However, speed is not a standard as participants are required to join compulsory passage points by crossing the minimum of kilometers.

Organizers says the itinerary chosen renders this year's edition even richer with obstacles of sand dunes, stony fields, under a hot sun.

More than 50 teams have registered and the arrival point is set at Essaouira (southwestern Morocco).