On the other hand, another obstacle, just as big, also kept them from achieving their dream last year: the crucial complicity that has to exist between team-mates. “Last year, we both had partners that weren’t all that interested and weren’t making the necessary efforts, which amounted to nothing,” says Gagné. “Then we met on the Internet, in a bit of a coincidence really.” But what a coincidence! The extremely dynamic duo projects a united image where each player contributes something different. They are simply on fire.
A “responsible” sporting event
The Roses des Sables Trophy will be held from October 7 through 18, 2010. Registrations for this 10th edition have been closed since last September. According to organizers, 130 teams have registered, 45 of which are from Quebec.
The province is obviously an important market for the organizers, so much so that they’ve named an official Québécois spokesperson, Olympic medallist Sylvie Fréchette. A happy coincidence, as she’ll also be racing in the trek.
Brand image is also very important for the organization, led by French driver Jean-Jacques Rey, the endurance rally veteran that experienced the Paris-Dakar, the Rallye des Pharaons and the Rallye de Tunisie.
Organizers wish to impart a “responsible” image to the event with regard to the Moroccan people, via an association with the Enfants du désert foundation that will distribute the goods assembled by the teams.
This humanitarian image is being combined with the image of the eco-minded citizen – a must in this day and age. In this vein, the organization pledges to compensate for the CO2 produced by the entire fleet of vehicles used in the event. They’re also talking about dispatching solar panels to supply electricity to less fortunate Moroccan communities. And they promise to leave a clean desert behind the caravan. Who can forget the grime an event like the Paris-Dakar leaves in its wake every year…
And since this is first and foremost a test of navigational skills, organizers are inviting teams to “run smoothly,” i.e., maintain low speeds throughout the event to minimize fuel consumption.
The adventure continues
Meanwhile, the two Isabelles are carrying on with their tasks. Among them are off-road driving exercises behind the wheel of a 4x4 at the Mécaglisse complex in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Quebec – indispensable for Desgagné, who is the designated driver and for whom this type of driving is entirely new. Together, they’ll also learn how to use a compass, the tool that will allow Gagné to fulfil her role as co-pilot.
The duo will also continue its promotional tour, making itself known and raising the necessary funds. The Beladenium team will be at the Chicoutimi Auto Sports Show from April 16 to 18, and then at the Beauceville Moteur Sport et Rock Show from April 30 to May 2.
The two women are also preparing a fund-raising show with three popular bands on March 27 in Shannon, a Quebec suburb. They hope to attract a few hundred spectators.
“You have to have an understanding boyfriend, an understanding boss and an understanding family to realize a project like this,” concludes Gagné.
To find out more about their project, visit www.beladenium.com. You can also check out the Roses des Sables Trophy web site at http://fr.trophee-roses-des-sables.com/.
A “responsible” sporting event
The Roses des Sables Trophy will be held from October 7 through 18, 2010. Registrations for this 10th edition have been closed since last September. According to organizers, 130 teams have registered, 45 of which are from Quebec.
The province is obviously an important market for the organizers, so much so that they’ve named an official Québécois spokesperson, Olympic medallist Sylvie Fréchette. A happy coincidence, as she’ll also be racing in the trek.
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| At the Quebec Auto Show, Team Beladenium was showing a Jeep model. But for the Roses des Sables Trophy, they’ll be driving a four-door 4x4 compact pickup, either a Toyota Hi-Lux or an Isuzu D-Max, rented from the organization. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Brand image is also very important for the organization, led by French driver Jean-Jacques Rey, the endurance rally veteran that experienced the Paris-Dakar, the Rallye des Pharaons and the Rallye de Tunisie.
Organizers wish to impart a “responsible” image to the event with regard to the Moroccan people, via an association with the Enfants du désert foundation that will distribute the goods assembled by the teams.
This humanitarian image is being combined with the image of the eco-minded citizen – a must in this day and age. In this vein, the organization pledges to compensate for the CO2 produced by the entire fleet of vehicles used in the event. They’re also talking about dispatching solar panels to supply electricity to less fortunate Moroccan communities. And they promise to leave a clean desert behind the caravan. Who can forget the grime an event like the Paris-Dakar leaves in its wake every year…
And since this is first and foremost a test of navigational skills, organizers are inviting teams to “run smoothly,” i.e., maintain low speeds throughout the event to minimize fuel consumption.
The adventure continues
Meanwhile, the two Isabelles are carrying on with their tasks. Among them are off-road driving exercises behind the wheel of a 4x4 at the Mécaglisse complex in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Quebec – indispensable for Desgagné, who is the designated driver and for whom this type of driving is entirely new. Together, they’ll also learn how to use a compass, the tool that will allow Gagné to fulfil her role as co-pilot.
The duo will also continue its promotional tour, making itself known and raising the necessary funds. The Beladenium team will be at the Chicoutimi Auto Sports Show from April 16 to 18, and then at the Beauceville Moteur Sport et Rock Show from April 30 to May 2.
The two women are also preparing a fund-raising show with three popular bands on March 27 in Shannon, a Quebec suburb. They hope to attract a few hundred spectators.
“You have to have an understanding boyfriend, an understanding boss and an understanding family to realize a project like this,” concludes Gagné.
To find out more about their project, visit www.beladenium.com. You can also check out the Roses des Sables Trophy web site at http://fr.trophee-roses-des-sables.com/.
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