Leg Three

As in an airplane cockpit, each team of Gazelles is made up of a pilot and a navigator. Unlike the friendly skies, these teams don't have the luxury of modern technology to get them out of a jam. Leg Three requires skilled map reading to cross a vast plateau with no recognizable landmarks. The only sign of life, other than the 220 competitors, are a few native dromedaries.

The third day of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles again starts with the now familiar four o'clock wake-up. Despite the early hour, many of the women recognize Malika Ménard, Miss France 2010, who waves the flag for the start of the rally's third leg.

The rally has become something of a rite of passage for winners of the Miss France pageant. Cindy Fabre and Valérie Bègue (Team 149) were Miss France title holders in 2005 and 2008, respectively.

When asked if she too had any interest in becoming a Gazelle, Ménard replies, "I don't know if I would be able to do what they are doing, but never say never!"

The day's route is a large 201-kilometer loop (125 miles) from the bivouac in Neijakh and back. It takes the competitors through mountainous twists and turns that requires leaving speed behind to avoid serious damage to vehicles.

Leg Three is pure navigation and a whole lot of meticulously thought-out strategy. After nailing each of the seven checkpoints, the U.S.-French partners are confident of their day's results. Yet when the organizers abruptly cancel the final checkpoint,