In the streets of Monaco, luxury cars may be purring but two intrepid women are swapping high heels for hiking boots and champagne flutes for compasses in order to master a 4×4 that roars. Meet Juliette Rapaire and Sarah Gharsalli, the dynamic duo set to conquer the 34th edition of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc from April 11 to 26, 2025.
From Sidewalks to Sand Dunes
Juliette and Sarah, inseparable friends bonded by a shared thirst for adventure, decided that navigating Monaco’s winding roads wasn’t challenging enough. Enter the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles—a gruelling all-female orienteering race across Morocco’s unforgiving desert terrain. But this isn’t your typical pedal-to-the-metal affair; it’s a test of strategy, endurance, and old-school navigation. Think less “Fast & Furious,” more “Smart & Tenacious.”
Sisters of the Road: More Than Just a Catchy Name
Not content with merely participating, our heroines founded the association “Sisters of the Road” (Sœurs de Route) to give their desert escapade a philanthropic twist. Their mission? To inspire women to tackle sporting challenges while championing causes close to their hearts. For their maiden voyage, they’re rallying support for the France Multiple Sclerosis Foundation—a cause deeply personal to Sarah, who has been living with multiple sclerosis since 2017.
Navigating Challenges: Both Literal and Metaphorical
The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is no Sunday drive along the Côte d’Azur. Participants must eschew modern gadgets, relying solely on paper maps and compasses to traverse treacherous dunes and rocky expanses. Preparation is key, and Juliette and Sarah have to immerse themselves in navigation courses and 4×4 driving lessons. Their chariot of choice? Their trusty personal vehicle, soon to be baptized by the Saharan sands.
A Community Fuelled by Compassion
Embarking on such a monumental journey requires more than just grit and determination—it demands a village of supporters. Thankfully, Monaco’s community has risen to the occasion. Sponsors, including the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), the Princely Government, Espace 22, and the Monegasque Chess Federation, have pledged their support. Yet, the road to the desert is long, and the Sisters of the Road have launched an online fundraiser, inviting everyone to be part of their groundbreaking adventure.
Beyond the Horizon: A Legacy in Motion
For Juliette and Sarah, the Rallye is but the beginning. Their vision for Sisters of the Road extends far beyond the Moroccan sands. Plans are already underway for future endeavours, including potentially a Monaco-to-Paris cycling odyssey in September 2025. Their message is clear: illness or no illness, the human spirit knows no bounds. With determination, courage, and a dash of audacity, anything is possible.
Join the Journey
As the departure date looms, excitement crackles in the air. Juliette and Sarah are eager to represent Monaco, to challenge themselves, and to send a resounding message of resilience and empowerment. They invite you to join them—whether by cheering them on at the starting line in Fontvieille or by contributing to their cause online. After all, every sister needs a road, and every road needs its sisters.
To support Juliette and Sarah’s adventure and contribute to their fundraising efforts, visit their online campaign at https://fr.ulule.com/
