The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is set to start in Monaco!

Motor sports have been a big part of the Principality’s DNA for over a century, and with the three Rally events in January, the three Grands Prix meetings in May, and the Africa Eco Race in December, there’s plenty of action all year round!

That well-established calendar now has a new addition in the shape of the famous Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, which this year begins in Monaco. The Principality’s love affair with motor racing is important in more ways than one.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is a human adventure that sees women from all over the world race through the Moroccan Sahara desert. The epic event now has an ambitious social and environmental responsibility programme focused on empowering women and showing true respect for the countries the competitors pass through along the way.

And none of the 10,600 women taking part will be using modern technology to find their way from Monaco to the finishing line on the beach at Essaouira. Since the event was created in 1990, GPS has not been allowed. Good old-fashioned map-reading and navigation skills are the order of the day!

Prior to the start, the teams will gather at the Espace Fontvieille. Head over to meet them and learn more about the world of the Gazelles! There will be all kinds of activities going on throughout the day, until the race is officially started by H.S.H. Prince Albert II at 2.15 pm.

And fittingly for this 33rd edition of the race starting in the Principality, there will be an all-Monegasque team taking part: Céline Cottalorda and Sylvie Bertrand will be flying the flag for Monaco in the 4X4/truck category. As we say in Monegasque: Daghe!*

*Let's go!