Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles 2015 : only one truck on the start line !

From March 20 to April 4 2015, the 25^th edition of the rallye Aïcha des Gazelles will take place in Morocco. This 100% female race will only have one truck team! Zoom on the RIVIERE – FLEITOUR team with Sandra RIVIERE from Saumur, mother of 3 and driver of the Mercedes UNIMOG 435.

Planet-trucks : Hello Sandra, could you introduce yourself ?

Sandra Rivière : I discovered the world of motor soprt competition when I first took part of the Rallye des Gazelles in 2011. Helped by my husband, I went there with a Nissan Patrol not knowing what would happen. I was so struck by this first experience that I did the following year as a navigator in a truck. It it during my second time on the Rallye des Gazelles that my passion was triggered. I loved being in the cab but driving was my favorite part ! That's why I didn't hesitate to get my truck driving licence in December 2012. In June 2014, I got an incredible opportunity : the boss of Team ACTIONLEV, Bruno DECLERCQ, offered me to take the wheel of his prototype during the French leg of the Europea Truck Trial in Montalieu Vercieu. Once again, a tough but unforgettable experience, that helped me improve my crossing techniques.

Planet-trucks : Can you introduce the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles ?

Sandra Rivière : This rally is a female only race. The concept is different than for other rallys : speed isn't important and the navigation is done "the old way". Indeed, we find our way in the desert with a compass and maps that are sometimes 30 years old ! It can be compared to a huge orientation trail. The hard part is that it is necessary to constantly adapt the itinerary to find the correct route and drive as little kilometre as possible. This is the challenge, accumulate as little penalties while driving the ideal distance and find all the markers.

Apart from the competition, the race promotes universal values of solidarity, mutual aid and surpassesing oneself. We want to help the locals. Each team brings donations that are given in the villages during the race. The association « Cœur de Gazelles » brings a medical caravan, alongside the rally. This caravan treats people in the villages. Every year, the caravan treats people, operates on them and sometimes helps women deliver.

Planet-trucks : Tell us about Bénédicte Fleitour, your team-mate...

Sandra Rivière : Bénédicte is a 45-year old commercial engineer and mom of 4 who lives in Rennes. It is her first time on the Rallye des Gazelles. Her goal is to try something she's never done. The rally is the result of a long training. Bénédicte wants to honour women and give courage to those fighting against diseases.

Planet-trucks : What motivates you to take part in this rally ?

At 34, it is my third time at the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles. But this will be the first time driving a truck. That is a true challenge for me because driving a truck in the dunes is extremely complicated. I know that I will need to exceed my physical and psychological limits. It is a new chance for me to get ready for an even bigger project : be on the start line of the Dakar rally in a truck !

Planet-trucks : You will be the only team in a truck. Can you tell us a little bit about it ?

Sandra Rivière : Our truck is a Mercedes UNIMOG 435. This vehicle, perfectly adapted for the desert, is under preparation at Bruno DECLERCQ in Calais. It is an old, robust and extremely agile military vehicle. Its engine develops 150 ch, which seems low, but it has a very important torque to easily move its 5 tonnes. With 8 gears and helical suspensions, the Unimog is majestic in crossing areas. 

Planet-trucks : What are your goals through this experience ?

Sandra Rivière : Bénédicte wants to live this rally fully with all its values ! For me, this year I want to end the rally in the first 30 of the general ranking. We are in the « 4x4 » category, the competition will be tough ! We are completely independent during the race. We have to take care of the breakdowns and flat tyres on our own. On the bivouac, the assistance is the same for every team. We need to perfectly know our vehicle and material to be able to fix it if need be.

Planet-trucks : The rally starts in less than a month. How do you feel ?

Sandra Rivière : We are excited for it to start. Today, everything's ready, even tough there always are mishaps that disrupt our planning. The truck is almost ready : we will soon have the qualifying rounds. Right now we are putting the finishing touches on the project. Especially the  budget, by solliciting sponsors and other partners. There always is a bit of stress about doing such an adventure, but that's what we like so much !

Planet-trucks : Have a nice time on the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles and good luck !