They are thirsty for adventures, travels and adrenaline, Souad (AViSTO engineer) and Marie-Anne, the Gazelles of the Riviera, have found their common passion and determination to share a unique experience: participate in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in Morocco, from March 15 to 30 2019.
They love cars, to criss-cross on thousands of kilometers of roads, discover and enjoy the landscape with joy and good humour. They share with us their passion. Interview with Souad.

Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc

Being part of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is a childhood dream. Really?!

Since I was a child, I watch the Paris Dakar Rally hoping that, someday, I will participate in a rally in the same vein. Since the beginning of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles, I knew that it was made for me and I knew that I will be part of it one day. Finally, I decided it was time to jump in the adventure when I heard that my friend shared the same wish and passion as me.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is not a speed but an orientation trail…

Indeed, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is, by the way, the only 100% female off-road Rallye-Raid of the world.

The navigation is the old way, no gear or GPS for a return to adventure roots. Thanks to a map and a compass, the Gazelles plan their own course and route.

It’s not a matter of time; the ranking is made by addition of the kilometers traveled. This aspect gives way to tolerance, solidarity and mutual support between teams.

The Gazelles of the Riviera

In your team, the Gazelles of the Riviera, you are both software development engineers. Is it a plus?

Obviously, first being both in the same sector implies that we have the same state of mind, we have the same philosophy. More than that, an engineer has to be autonomous and be able to figure out some solutions. This can only make us go further in this adventure.

Have you planned a distribution of roles in your team?

No distribution will be made between us because we both love the orientation and driving. We want to live an equal share adventure, that is to say being pilot and at the same time co-pilot, reading and tracing on a map, using a compass, getting the car out in case of stalemate or changing a flat tire. We are aware of the physical aspect and that it’s psychologically hard at times, but we are working on it.

Do you have a ranking objective?

We are aiming at the first place or at list the top 3. Actually, nearly 70% of the participants are here for the first time. We have all our chances to reach our goal. We have made a driving course training in the desert during which we have encountered some complications. This was beneficial for a first experience. We know what the game is all about and know how to react in certain circumstances. We have planned others training driving courses and navigation before our departure.

A few words about AViSTO

To conclude, a few words about AViSTO?

AViSTO, how would I say? I appreciate the constant support from AViSTO and its members. This is the reason why I’ve been here for 8 years. There is a very nice understanding between the managers and the engineers, a good cohesion, a good supervision and a follow-up of the engineers. It’s an attentive services company which makes sure of the comfort of its employees. Some events like afterworks are often organized, which helps to bound, gets people closer, and by extension creates a better working and outside the office environments.

I would also add that I am pleased that AViSTO is supporting us as a sponsor for this adventure; I will represent our values with pride. Thanks again AViSTO!