One final stage! In Essaouira, the finish arch marks the end of the rally for the 320 Gazelles in this 35th edition. The very last checkpoint, a place for reunions and a return to real life – perhaps the most difficult after these eight days of competition and adventure…
Beneath the arch installed on Mohammed V Avenue in the seaside town, the Gazelles take stock of these last few days. "We haven't really realized it yet, it's going to be very difficult to leave the Rallye des Gazelles, the encounters, the new friendships... We don't want to go,", says Priscillia of Team 112 . This final stretch through the crowd marks the end of the journey: over 1 kilometers – much more for some – through the Moroccan desert. It's enough to inspire admiration from loved ones, like the mother-in-law of Anaïs from Team 120 . "It's an extraordinary feat of personal resilience, and for us, two very stressful weeks. I would wake up in the night to check on the app to see if they'd got back safely!"
Staying in the desert bubble, just a little longer
You might think that after 35 years of experience, she's got it all figured out. And yet… Under the big top hosting the awards ceremony, Dominique Serra, the creator of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, admits to having doubts with each edition. And each time, she finds her way again thanks to the participants. "Your laughter, your dreams soothe me. You sustain me, you remind me that it was all worth it. Thank you for your courage and your light." Her determination, that of her daughter Marina and the entire Maïenga team, ensures that the rally remains the only international event permitted to display the Moroccan coat of arms embroidered on its vests. "Without His Majesty's unwavering support, we simply wouldn't be here."
Where are they anyway, the Gazelles? Are they here, at the party? Or are their minds somewhere else, still out there in the desert? Somewhere in between, no doubt. "We're leaving our loved ones for a little while longer to stay in this bubble, among the Gazelles and with the organizers.", confide Virginie and Julie from Normandy, Team 142 . Noémie of Team 300 is struggling to take in what is happening. "People are thanking us, it's crazy, it's heart-wrenching, it's so emotional. We're representing women, we're forgetting all the hardships we've been through!"
Many dignitaries have made the trip to applaud them, including Essaouira governor Mohammed Rachid, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt, and Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah. In a surprise for the Gazelles, the event's patron, actress Michelle Yeoh, who is currently filming on location in China, congratulated them via video call. The event organizers - some 250 people working in logistics, rankings, race control, drivers and marshals, mechanics, medical support, media, and more - were also present.
Arms full of gifts
On stage, the winners finally receive their prizes and gifts, adding to their cherished memories of the past few days. For this anniversary edition, a trophy created by artist Ylan Anoufa is presented to the winners of each category: a colourful bear sculpture adorned with a star in homage to Morocco. Gifts from the event's partners include a generous gift basket from Aïcha featuring the brand's most iconic products, Rituals gift sets and a collectible enamel plaque from Bosch Car Service , a magnum of Paul Poirrier champagne, Chérie FM concert passes, a Daciabackpack, Afriquia petrol vouchers, and a Gazelles watch.
In 4x4 Class, Team 242 (Carine RANDIN / Mélanie GROGNUZ) finished in third place. "There was a lot of mutual support and solidarity in this edition, more than other times. We really got along well together, it's touching to finish on the podium with my friends." Team 130 (Laetitia ESTIVAL / Cyndie CHRISTAUD) finished second, and Team 198 (Jawhara BENNANI / Dounia BENNANI) is the big winner of this 35th anniversary edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc.
In Crossover Class, Team 306 (SABINE CALLOT / MARIE-PIERRE MOYNE PAGENOT HATTENVILLE) finished in first place. "It's a great victory, but also a challenge to see how long we can keep going!", says Marie-Pierre, almost 69 years old. They are followed by Team 300 (Anaïs CUSSIGH / Noémie DROGNON) and Team 302 (Sara BOUMALIK / Siham GOUMAIRI) .
In Quad/SSV Class, the top three finishers are Team 39 (Elisabeth (Betty) KRAFT / Celia MASCART), Team 22 (Véronique DE SYBOURG-SIFFERT / Alix DE SYBOURG) in second place and Team 40 (Axelle MASSON / Anaïs FREY) in third.
In e-Gazelles Class, the rally's electric category, Team 600 (Noeline MAAS RHANNOU / Fairouz LAOUKILI DE MATTEO) finishes third, 602 (Marie-Françoise RABHI / Emilie SCHEUR) is second and Team 603 (ARMELLE MEDARD LANG / CINDY RIBEIRO) is in first position. "Electric vehicles offer a different way of driving, one that's very important to us. You can't just go straight, like in a 4x4; you really have to avoid obstacles and pay attention to everything. It's an intense navigation exercise."
The winners of the first participation in each category are also called on stage and rewarded.
Find all the podium finishes from this 35thrd edition on the Rankings page.
Thank you to our partners without whom this Rally would not be possible: Aïcha, Morocco, MDJS, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Afriquia, Ferrero, OCP, Cawe, Bosch, La Méridionale, 24H le Mans, Texaco, Sidi Ali, GSF, Royal Air Maroc, Dacia, Château Roslane, Chérie FM, 2M.
