Leg Two

Pulling away from the rest of the pack is how organizers describe the performances of the top three finishers in the 4x4 class at the end of Leg Two. And who's staying hot in the contest? Team 109--Miller Medard!

The level of difficulty for the all-women off-road rally went up a notch with today's outing, and the new challenges are reflected in the results.

Penalty points are accumulating as rapidly as the desert wind can change course. More teams call for mechanical assistance, while others head back to the bivouac early--both actions resulting in added points. And, as will happen, some participants just head in the wrong direction.

At the morning's briefing, the Sporting Director had predicted that Leg Two would be longer and more challenging. The various routes take the Gazelles across seemingly endless plateaus, followed by some slightly alarming mountains.

Drivers show their skill and composure most with favorable outcomes--and positive attitudes. The members of Team 314 of France find themselves stuck in a trench filled with sand from the wind. Undaunted, they get out their ladders and shovels and, with a little help from fellow Gazelles Sandra Guichard and Cathy Weber (Team 312, also from France), the task is soon behind them.

By 2:45, many competitors reach or are approaching CP4 of the leg's six checkpoints. Among them are Teams Lerner Reina and Miller Medard, the day's second-place finishers.

Team 107 end the second day of competition in their first-ever rally with an overall ranking of 37th place. Not bad for two sisters whose only previous practical experience consisted of go-kart racing in their back-yard as children. Growing up around antique cars, Amy Lerner and Tricia Reina often helped their father with repairs and preparations for events.

Blending their boundless affinity for travel and adventure with their lifelong love of cars, it seems becoming Gazelles is a natural progression. You go, girls!

Although the field is now taking shape, still, the top spots are far from secured. The leaders must maintain their concentration and focus if they expect to earn a place on the podium.

The current leaders are a reflection of the rally's international flavor. The top three teams are made up of competitors from five different countries.

Team 124 (Caroline Montillet of France and Syndiely Wade of Senegal) holds the number-one ranking with a total of 22.08 points. Team 129 (Jeanette James of Great Britain and Anne Marie Borg of France) is a close second with 36.12 points. Not far behind is Team Miller Medard with 42.48 points.

With Rod Hall-racing champion Miller at the wheel, Team 109 has a unique strategy. "We decided to adjust our cap in order to get ahead without taking too many risks for the truck," she says. It seems to be working.

A splendid backdrop of dunes illuminated by the setting sun invites the Gazelles to rest come evening. Erg Chebbi, one of the distinctive large dunes formed by windblown sand, will be home to the 220 competitors for the next few days.

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