TRANSMAROCAINE 2012 - 7th edition
Pre-race verifications
Anne-Marie Dunhill / 13.03.2011
After a leisurely 07:00 breakfast teams went poolside as the race director Gilles Gaubert made a welcoming speech and introduced his organizing team. All are volunteers, laid back and friendly yet very efficient. During his speech he kept racers up to date on the political situation in Morocco, stating that two days ago the King had made a long speech promising to speed up reforms. Racers will be able to reassure their families as due to recent political events in the region the organization fielded questions as to whether or not the race would take place.After a group photo the racers began the mandatory verifications of their equipment, medical checks and last minute administration. The sun has come out today, heating up cold bones. Racers would be well-advised to take advantage of the rays as the weather forecast predicts rain and snow starting tomorrow.
In between verifications most teams chatted about the upcoming race while the experienced racers who often cross paths on the circuit eyed each other up from a distance. Sandrine Beranger of team Raidlight/Vertical talked about her upcoming season. Their main objective is the ARWS race Raid in France, which they won last year and they will be racing this year in preparation for the World Champs in 2012.
Other races on their list include the Dentelles de Montmirail which will be the championship of the newly created adventure racing challenge in France. Having observed Sandrine compete during several World Series races, other mixed teams are in for stiff competition as she is an excellent navigator who leads her team in a no nonsense manner.
Stephane Agnoli, who organizes an adventure race in France and who is racing with Emanuel Lang for team Raid 74.org, is still without his MTB. Every adventure racers nightmare: the last time he saw his bike box was as it was being loaded onto the plane in Geneva but here on the ground there is no trace of the box nor the check-in number. Having packed most of his gear into the box along with the bike, his verifications were a speedy affair and he is now trying to find a solution which include the organization lending him a pair of shoes.
The afternoon is free and racers will be exploring the town of Ouarzazate before the official opening ceremony tonight which will include a presentation of the race route and introduction of the teams. The race starts tomorrow morning from a kasbah in Ouarzazate at 09:00.
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