Planet Ride Supports Mad Quad for the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles

In 2026, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles remains one of the most singular events in the off-road world—and one of the toughest: no speed, no GPS, no phone, just a map, a compass, and two teammates who must think clearly when the terrain turns against them. Planet Ride has always had a soft spot for this kind of roadtrip discipline: the kind built on navigation, restraint, and team spirit rather than raw horsepower. Ahead of the 2016 start, we spoke with the Mad Quad duo—Marine and Natalia, crew #29—a few days before they rolled to the start line.

Quick introductions

Marine

I was born in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon. I grew up between Lyon’s suburbs and the mountains of Isère, and I’ve been based in Chamrousse for the past few years—where the mountains are never far from daily life.

I started sports early with skiing at age 3, and I’ve always moved between disciplines: ski, tennis, swimming, horse riding… In 2004, I discovered motorsports and began riding quads for fun.

It gradually became my profession. After finishing my studies, I joined Espace Gliss in 2007, a mountain motorsport company, and expanded into snowmobiling and jet ski. In 2010, I became a VTM Guide (Quad option). Since then, guiding has been my everyday life: taking clients out on rides, sharing the technique and the joy, and keeping everyone safe and smiling.

Right now, I’m preparing an additional qualification (CQP Initiator in Motorcycling) to be able to share quad riding with kids too.

My motto: “If you believe in the impossible, then anything can be achieved.”

Natalia

I grew up in Slovakia with sneakers on—playing basketball for the national cadet team from the age of 9.

I chose France to continue university studies and became a lawyer at the Paris Bar in 2007, which is still my profession today. I practice with the same things that push me in sport: determination, commitment, and a deep sense of justice.

In France, I discovered rally-raid and entered my first Rallye des Gazelles in 2007. I’ve completed four participations so far, including a 4th place out of 150 teams in 2011. I also took part in the Rallye des Princesses (2013, 2014), Rallye Neige & Glaces (2015), and a quad raid in China, MAO XIAN (2015).

Outside motorsport, I keep the same rhythm: running, multisport raids, trails, triathlons—three marathons, three Raid des Amazones (MTB, canoe, trekking), a solo Tour du Mont Blanc (190 km in high mountains), and a half-Ironman (Oravaman: 2 km swim, 90 km bike, 21 km run, 3,300 m D+).

My motto: “Everything seems impossible until it’s done.” (Nelson Mandela)

“Tell us about your partnership—how did it start?”

We met in May 2013 during a 4-day quad raid across France’s Massif Central. The loop went from Clermont-Ferrand to Rodez and back, roughly 800 km. Over four days, you learn fast: how someone navigates, how they manage fatigue, how they react when the trail gets rocky, and how they stay calm when things don’t go as planned.

We kept in touch afterward. Then in mid-May 2015, we decided to commit to the extraordinary adventure of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles. We recognized ourselves in the values it demands—and in the mindset required to reach the end.

“What exactly is the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles?”

It’s a motorsport competition with a concept that’s rare today: no speed ranking, no mobile phone, and no GPS. The basics are simple and brutal: one map, one compass, two teammates, your vehicle(s), and a route that is off-piste.

You move through dunes, stony sections, and the occasional greener pocket. The winning team is the one that covers the fewest kilometers by choosing the most accurate line from marker to marker.

It’s also the biggest 100% female raid, bringing together close to 300 women from more than 30 nationalities. In 2016, the start was on March 18, for an original 8-day competition in Morocco’s desert.

The event also has an environmental framework: it obtained an ISO 14001:2004 environmental management certification in 2010. An environmental assessment is carried out every year, and the rally offsets its CO2 emissions via “Action Carbone” (Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s association), funding sustainable development projects worldwide.

Riding a motorized vehicle doesn’t mean ignoring the environment—quite the opposite. For us, this rally proves you can set rules that push discipline and responsibility at the same time.

“Why choose this rally—what are your motivations?”

We want to take on the Rallye des Gazelles because it’s:

• First and foremost a motorsport event, tied to a shared passion.
• The ultimate desert adventure in Morocco—adrenaline, commitment, and a well-known difficulty level.
• A way to rediscover ourselves outside our comfort zone.
• For Natalia, a personal shift: it’s her first time at the handlebars, because in previous rallies she was the navigator in 4x4s.
• An experience built on teamwork, mutual help, and solidarity between Gazelles—and with local communities through the Cœur de Gazelle association.

The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is a human adventure like no other: a moral, physical, and emotional challenge—and we’re ready.

“A final word before the start?”

We’ve spent nearly nine months preparing. The motivation hasn’t changed, but we’ve already been tested. Just getting to the start line is an achievement: we had to fight for partners willing to come aboard, and we were still looking for support to close the budget a few weeks before departure.

This preparation is already an adventure. You have to dare, stay upright, and keep your nerves steady. Today, approaching companies, presenting a project, and asking for help isn’t easy—there are silences, refusals, doubts. But we never gave up. Every “yes” was a victory and one step closer to the start line.

We want to thank all our partners, without exception, for their trust. We’ll live and share this adventure together. And of course, thank you to our families and friends for their support throughout the project.

Planet Ride’s field advice (navigation-style rally mindset)

On events where you drive off-piste and think under pressure, the fastest way to make mistakes is to stack fatigue on top of stress. Our pro tip: build deliberate “micro-stops” into the day—not long breaks, just 3 minutes to drink, confirm bearing, and reset roles (one checks headings, one checks terrain). It’s a small habit that prevents big errors, especially when heat, wind, or glare makes the landscape look “all the same”.

Mini-FAQ

Do you need a specific license or permit to ride a quad in Morocco?

Rules can depend on the vehicle category, rental/ownership, and where you ride. For any roadtrip or event format, check your license validity, insurance coverage, and what the organizer requires before departure.

What’s the best season for a desert rally-style roadtrip in Morocco?

Most riders aim for spring or autumn to avoid peak summer heat and to reduce the risk of cold nights seen deeper into winter. Wind can be a factor any time—plan for dust and reduced visibility.

How do you manage navigation without GPS?

Train with map + compass well before you go, and practice in varied terrain. In the desert, small heading errors can translate into long detours—especially when you’re forced to skirt dunes or rocky fields.

Credits: Photos by Ludovic Mouveau © (visuals not displayed here).

Planning a Morocco roadtrip next? Here’s what Planet Ride offers:

À savoir aujourd’hui

This interview reflects the team’s preparation and the rally format as described before the 2016 start. The core principles—navigation without GPS, teamwork, and minimizing distance—remain central to the event’s identity. Before traveling now, verify current organizer rules (devices, safety equipment), insurance requirements, and any access restrictions linked to environmental protection or local regulations.