From the rocky expanses of southern Morocco to the Atlantic finish line in Essaouira, the 35th edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc once again tested endurance, navigation and resilience in one of the world’s most distinctive motorsport adventures.
Among the standout competitors this year was Team 603, represented by Armelle Médard and Cindy Ribeiro, who secured victory in the electric vehicle category aboard a Volvo EX40 during the rally held from March 27 to April 11.
Competing in support of Monaco Liver Disorder, the crew later presented a €6,000 donation to the Monegasque association founded by Carla Fadoul Shechter, which supports children affected by rare liver diseases while also helping families and promoting research and awareness.
Rallye Aicha des Gazelles
Unlike conventional rally racing, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is built around navigation rather than speed. GPS systems are prohibited, and competitors must cross vast off-road terrain using only maps, compass readings and strategic route planning. Victory depends not on acceleration, but on travelling the shortest possible distance between checkpoints across often unforgiving desert landscapes.
The electric category introduces an additional layer of complexity, demanding careful energy management and technical precision across rocky and isolated terrain. In recent years, the category has also become a showcase for evolving electric mobility technologies operating under extreme conditions.
Armelle Medard & Cindy Ribeiro
For Armelle Médard, the result adds to an already remarkable history in the rally, where she has accumulated multiple podium finishes over numerous participations. Cindy Ribeiro returned to the competition after first discovering the experience alongside Médard in 2023.
Beyond the sporting achievement, the rally continues to stand apart for its humanitarian dimension. Through the associated Cœur de Gazelles initiative, medical teams and volunteers provide healthcare assistance, supplies and support to isolated communities encountered along the route, reinforcing the event’s long-standing emphasis on solidarity and social engagement.
Environmental responsibility also remains central to the rally’s identity. The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles has frequently positioned itself as a pioneer in sustainable rally organisation, combining traditional navigation principles with growing innovation in lower-emission vehicle categories.
For Monaco Liver Disorder, Team 603’s success brought international visibility to the association’s mission while linking Monaco’s name to an adventure defined not only by competition, but also by determination, teamwork and purpose.
In a rally where precision often matters more than speed, the Moroccan desert once again rewarded resilience, and this year, a Monaco-supported crew returned home at the top of the electric rankings.
