Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles : an unforgettable experience for the truck team

Planet-trucks: Hi Sandra, how do you feel since you've been back from the rallye ?

Sandra Rivière : I am exhausted physically and mentally. I'm not going to lie, the rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is an extremely hard race. The desert, the sand, the dunes and the fatigue make it even harder. We had to face several mishaps. But Bénédicte and I are really happy to have participated in this beautiful experience without giving up.

Planet-trucks : How was the rallye ?

Before we got to the desert, we went through a violent snow storm. It was -10° and we were cold for 6 hours.

The Moroccan desert had a lot of surprises for us ! We had an advantage on the 4x4 in the dunes : the UNIMOG went through the camel grass without problem. On the other hand, we lost some time because of a flat tyre, a breakdown and mainly mechanical problems that happens halfway through the rallye.

After waiting for the assistance and breakdown service, we couldn't arrive on time to validate the leg. Our team was able to continue the rallye outside of the rankings.

Planet-trucks : What were the highlights of the rallye ?

Sandra Rivière : I have this image in my mind of a lake right before the dunes. We hadn't seen anything like this in the desert and this was because of the rain in the last few days. I also remember this particular moment in the dunes when we helped a team stuck in a basin. We almost got stuck ourselves. With perseverance we were able to get the 4x4 out and we finished this leg together with a few tears of joy.

Planet-trucks : You met Elisabeth Jacinto, famous truck pilot. Tell us a bit about it !

Sandra Rivière : Elisabeth is my sports sponsor. She came to see us in Nice. We talked a lot and she was happy that we chose the UNIMOG. Before going in the dunes, she told me to adapt my driving depending on the truck and its power. That really helped me. I told her to had a flat tyre but she still congratulated us.

Planet-trucks : What are your next projects ?

Sandra Rivière : Now I want to do the DAKAR. During the rallye, a team approached me and they should put me in contact with an American team that participates DAKAR truck. I'm waiting to hear from them ! Regarding the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles, I want to thank all our patners and sponsors that didin't give up on us. I also want to thank the mechanics on the rallye and the Mercedes UNIMOG specialists for their dedication.

Planet-trucks : Good luck in the future