Paris, 12 March. -(ANA)- The all-female "Aicha des Gazelles" rallye begins Friday in Paris to arrive in Morocco on 18 March. More than 160 teams from 33 countries will participate in the 24th edition of the event.

The Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, the only rallye reserved specifically for women is taking place this year from 14-29 March in Morocco’s eastern desert. For 23 years this event has championed the cause of women from all walks of life and provides an image of women who are beautiful, brave, daring, enterprising and dynamic. It is the biggest women only off-road rally in the world and the only sporting event in Morocco which has the patronage the King of Morocco.

The Rally also defends environmental values, equity, respect, solidarity, mutual aid and sharing.
For 2014, 160 crews (320 gazelles) will be at the departure line from Paris Trocaderoon on 15 March.

Speed does not matter; the winner is the team that does the least amount of kms. No GPS, no phones, they use old black and white maps and compass to find red flags (checkpoints)in the magnificent Moroccan desert. It's a test of endurance, strategy and solidarity. Mercedes, Renault Dacia, Volkswagen, La Poste all have teams selected in house. The Moroccan company Conserverie de Meknes- Aicha has been the main sponsor for the last 18 years. The 10-day race ends in Essaouira. (ANA)  For more information visit: www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com

AB/ANA/ 12 March 2014