Buvilly, France – Sisters Stéphanie and Laetitia Meynet are gearing up for a second attempt at the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles, determined to overcome the mechanical issues that plagued their 2025 run. Despite a frustrating setback last year, the duo, known as “Frangines en Gazelles,” are focused on victory in the challenging Moroccan desert race.
The pair faced a significant hurdle during the 2025 rally when a broken steering linkage forced them to abandon the competition. “Last year, the steering rack broke and we couldn’t find a replacement part,” explained Laetitia Meynet. “We were in 20th place out of 174 teams when it happened, with just two days of racing left.”
This year, Stéphanie, a 41-year-ancient nurse, and Laetitia, a 38-year-old marketing project manager, are channeling that disappointment into renewed motivation. “Losing isn’t in my nature,” stated Laetitia, who also competes in equestrian events. Stéphanie echoed that sentiment, saying, “I wanted to be in the top third. I really got into it and I’m quite competitive.”
The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles, a 100% off-road navigation rally exclusively for female teams, demands precision and skill as competitors navigate the Sahara using only a compass, ruler, map, and geographical coordinates. The 2026 edition will run from March 27th to April 11th.
The sisters are also competing with a charitable goal, hoping to earn the “Gazelles Solidaires” prize to support pediatric oncology and hematology services at the CHU of Besançon, as well as the Rêves association, which fulfills the wishes of sick children. This cause is particularly meaningful to the Meynet sisters, as Laetitia’s son previously battled cancer and benefited from the support of the Rêves organization.
Preparations for the rally have included fundraising events, such as an oriental evening held to benefit their participation. Bosch is also supporting the team’s efforts in the competition. The Meynets are aiming to not only finish the race but also to produce a positive impact through their fundraising efforts.
