Officially Gazelles!
PALAIS NIKAÏA, NICE
Summary
This year, 15 days in blue
The parking lot of Palais Nikaïa slowly fills with 4×4s as participants arrive and are greeted by the event organizers, who give them an enthusiastic welcome. The Gazelles first receive their symbolic event vest. This year’s vest is blue, in a nod to the City of Nice and its iconic blue chairs that line the Promenade des Anglais. Various partner logos are embroidered on the vest (ATOL, Afriquia, Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès, Bosch Car Service,CBA Informatique, Diana Holding, Aïcha), in addition to the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Morocco. This is a real honour for the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, which is the only motorsport event entitled to bear them. The Gazelles quickly put on their vests and take photos of themselves. Team 152 (Jamila AZAÏS / Bérengère TRILLAT - AB FISH) is thrilled: “we have blue helmets with sparkles: we’re matching!” The Gazelles will wear this vest until the end of the Rallye, like a good-luck charm that they take with them everywhere.
Gifts from partners
Audrey of Team 153 (Audrey FONDANAUX / Angélique LASPOUGEAS - Saturne Services), receives many warm wishes, and for good reason: this Friday March 15th is her 41st birthday. She has tears in her eyes: “I decided to do this rally exactly a year ago, the day I turned 40, which makes this day even more important and very emotional for me.” She and the other Gazelles are then given a set of gifts from various event partners. They receive a keychain, pen and mini first-aid kit from Bosch Car Service, a new partner who will be present throughout the rally at the mechanics area of the bivouac. Atol offers yellow-tinted glasses that improve night vision for better night driving, as well as sunglasses and a planner. Nikel, the first individually packaged wet toilet paper, will also be accompanying the Gazelles into the desert. Maïenga, the event’s organizer, gives each competitor a collapsible cup. The event is highly committed to protecting the environment and is the only motorsport with ISO 14001:2015 certification. And the Gazelles receive a ‘mascot’ in the form of a plush toy from CBA Informatique. The Gazelles then get to know each other over a cup of coffee. The mood is cheerful and there is a smile on every face. No stress for the moment… maybe tomorrow, when the adventure officially begins with the ceremonial start on the Promenade des Anglais de Nice.
