Leg 1

IDEAL KM 40 km liaison + 110 km of leg

ESTIMATED TIME 9:00

5 a.m. wakeup call and it's time to get into gear! Every minute counts. The Gazelles pack their tents and sleeping gear, collect the vehicle from the parking area, load it up, park it at the starting line. Then comes breakfast, the morning briefing… and already the starting line is in sight. This will be their routine for the days to come, almost reassuring in its regularity.

The first mandatory checkpoints (CPs) appear in the distance across a vast, relatively flat plain. The terrain appears straightforward at first glance. But this is just an illusion. The area is deceptive; landmarks fade and distort. It's easy to lose track, to slowly but surely become less certain of your position… which could result in extra kilometers.

Heading east. There, the landscape becomes even more barren, seemingly forsaken of all life. A cirque opens up, so immense that it's difficult to grasp its size. Imposing red cliffs and strange formations called Aferdou, mountains shaped like tajine dishes, loom in the near distance. All of this will serve as landmarks… at least if the wind doesn't erase everything.

Because when the elements conspire, visibility can be greatly reduced. The details of the terrain disappear, with only the immediate ground, just in front of the wheels, remaining visible to guide the way.

Finally comes the return to the bivouac and some time to relax and unwind.

The finish line, a visit to the rankings office, setting up the tent, a quick stop at the mechanics. Preparing the maps for the next day. A moment of relaxation, a visit to the bar, a shared meal… before giving in to fatigue, time to sleep and recharge for tomorrow's challenge.