Céline Kuypers: Preparing for the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles

How did you prepare for this adventure (physically, mentally, logistically)?

— When we embarked on this adventure, we hadn’t fully grasped the journey ahead before reaching the starting line. However, we are very well supported by our loved ones, by Maïenga, who provides guidance through coaches and meetings with fellow Gazelles, and by former Gazelles who help us understand the reality of the rally. We are setting off with a good awareness of the physical and mental challenges of this competition. We have worked extensively on team cohesion. It is also essential to manage daily life spending 10 to 11 hours a day in a confined space. Regarding physical preparation, there is no specific requirement women aged between 22 and 72 are taking part this year.

Do you already have experience driving in extreme conditions, or is this a first for you?

— It is a first for both of us in a competition. However, we took part in a training course in Morocco to familiarise ourselves with the conditions and get used to the different terrains we will be facing.

What specific skills did you acquire during this training?

— It was a basic training course designed to help us feel confident about handling the engine, recognising different fluids, checking levels, cleaning the air filter (sand is the enemy of all filters!), and changing a wheel and not just any wheel, but a much larger one than on a small city car.

Do you now feel more self-sufficient in case of a mechanical problem with your vehicle during the rally?

— At the very least, we will be able to communicate properly with the mechanics present at the rally. But as for carrying out an oil change in the middle of the desert, I am not so sure!

What was the most difficult or surprising part of this training?

— Everything on these vehicles is very high up, as they are so elevated. But in the end, with a bit of practice, it’s actually quite manageable. We even got ourselves a small step to reach the top of the engine for checking the levels.

How did your navigation and orientation training in go? 

— We began with a compulsory theoretical course organised by Maïenga, taught by professionals and former Gazelles in Avignon. We had two intensive days of lessons, followed by an orientation exercise in the old town, where we had to retrace the streets. This is when we learned everything about maps and navigation tools.

Then we applied these lessons during our (optional) training course in Morocco, where we experienced real-life conditions. That’s when we realised how challenging it can be to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

What techniques have you learned to navigate effectively in the desert?

— ALWAYS align the map to the north that’s the golden rule. And if you ever feel lost, you’re never really lost; there are always clear landmarks in the landscape that can be matched with the map, allowing for triangulation. These two training sessions helped us develop essential reflexes for the desert and more advanced techniques, such as reverse bearings and other useful tricks.

Was there a particularly memorable moment or anecdote from this training that stood out to you?

— There wasn’t just one! Every turn revealed new scenery, every hill brought a sense of wonder, and every oued was home to unexpected wildlife. But if I had to choose just one, it would be the moment when our friends’ tyre came off the rim right at the top of the Chegaga dunes. Changing a tyre on sand is no easy task!

The rally is completed in pairs. How have you prepared to work as a team in such a demanding environment?

— During our training in Morocco, we had a team cohesion course based on the CRM (Crew Resource Management) model used by aviation crews to manage communication during high-pressure situations. We also spent a lot of time talking to each other about our goals for this rally (luckily, we share the same objectives), our personalities, and potential sources of friction so that we can be attentive to each other’s needs.

What are the key elements for good communication and team cohesion in these conditions?

— Listening and communication are essential for strong team cohesion. It’s important to recognise signs that the other person is struggling so we can address issues as quickly as possible. We’ve put in place an emoji post-it system to indicate how we’re feeling:

• Green: Everything is fine.
• Orange: Caution.
• Red: Stop, you’re pushing too far, or I’m really struggling. Help!

We both want to experience this rally with joy and camaraderie. We’re looking forward to meeting the other Gazelles and making the most of this incredible adventure one that not everyone gets the chance to experience, and we are fully aware of how lucky we are. And in tough moments, we will always remind ourselves of this privilege.

With everything you have learned, how do you feel as the Rallye des Gazelles approaches?

— We are incredibly excited to set off and experience this adventure. At the same time, we do feel a bit of apprehension as the competition draws near. But I’m sure that as soon as we arrive at the scrutineering checks in Nice, all those nerves will disappear, and we’ll be fully in the moment.

What do you think will be the biggest challenges you’ll face over the next two weeks?

— It’s very easy to feel lost in the desert. One of our biggest challenges will be learning to trust ourselves not just trusting each other but also having confidence in ourselves as individuals to make the right decisions, head in the right direction, and find the best strategy for overcoming obstacles.