Leg Four

Never is it good when misfortune touches a competition. And for some reason, it seems to be amplified when one of the top con-tenders is at the center of the unfortunate event. Such is the case on Leg Four when Team 129 roll their Mercedes Benz 4x4 Viano while circumventing a dune. Thankfully, neither Jeanette James nor Marie Borg is hurt.

The Daimler team mechanic heads out to the site from the bivouac with a replacement part, apparently a starter. The summons for assistance knocks the team from the competition. According to the rally Sporting Regulations, the team--which had held the second spot--is now considered "unranked."

After completing all seven X checkpoints (the most difficult of the three options available to the participants through the Merzouga Dunes), Emily Miller and Armelle Medard move up to second place overall.

Amy Lerner and Tricia Reina can opt for one of the less-challenging courses through the dunes, but they do not. Impressively, they determine to take on the X checkpoints, something few rookies ever do. The sisters nail three of the seven checkpoints before calling it a day.

Next up, the first of two marathon legs. The Gazelles spend the night out in the desert under the brilliance of the stars. Serene? Unsettling? We'll find out tomorrow.