Festive arrival at the bivouac
NEJJACK - NEJJACK
Summary
The atmosphere is relaxed and festive as the Gazelles reach the bivouac.
The atmosphere is relaxed and festive as the Gazelles reach the bivouac. They are welcomed by Marina, Teams manager, who explains how and where to set up their tents in the camping area. The Gazelles listen attentively. “Now we’re really looking forward for it to start,” exclaims Chrystel of Team 125 (Mathilde GUILLAUME / Chrystel PISANESCHI-LEMOINE - UNE PAGE), excitement written all over her face. “We’re getting ready for an intense experience and to meeting interesting people”, adds her teammate Mathilde.
Next to them, the Moroccan teams are putting on a show, with songs and youyous, filmed by Hajar of Team 314 (Malika AJAHA / Hajar EL BIED). “It’s important to take part in this type of event in a country where the conditions of women are constantly improving”, remarks Jamila of Team 147 (Corinne TISSERAND / Jamila FRUCHART - KOWA Company & WES Worldwide Exclusive Services), who would like to encourage more Moroccan women to do the Rallye.
Others are already in “serious” mode, such as Betty of Team 29 (Elisabeth KRAFT / Sonia BAUDOIN-GUERARD - POLARIS FRANCE), who arrives with maps in hand. With thirteen rallies under her belt, including twelve first-place finishes, she will not be releasing the pressure anytime soon.
While some, like Betty, are accustomed to the routine, for others, the Prologue is “like a leap into the unknown”. “It will help us warm up and get into the swing of things”, explains Sandrine of Team 129 (Sandrine CHAUVERON / Caroline SPOTO - FERAL & Associés).
“Getting into race mode more quickly”
A conga line forms a little way off to the sound of “Pour les Gazelles allez, allez”, under the amused gaze of other, more experienced Gazelles who are here for the second time. « We’re a little less excited because it’s not our first time, but we’re just as thrilled to be here”, observes Sandra of Team 100 (SANDRA BENTOLILA / JULIE LE DU - Dental 3D), happy to be able to “get into race mode more quickly”, without the apprehension of the newcomer.
