In October, we will be taking part in the 2026 Roses des Sables Rally under the name Algazelles Roses des Sables, and the adventure is gaining momentum!
InfoQuad.com is a partner of our team for this edition. In fact, you may have already discovered us through our first article last month. So, buckle up for the next chapter! This month, we explain the origin of our team’s name, the progress of the project, the upcoming steps, and our daily preparations.
Why “the Algazelles”?
We chose Algazelles Roses des Sables as the name for team N-416. Last month, we promised to explain where this name came from. So here is the story behind our choice.
Even before naming our vehicle, we spent a lot of time thinking about the name of our team. Every idea was written down during an autumn evening brainstorming session.
At first, we considered calling ourselves the “Gazelles,” a name commonly and affectionately used for women in Morocco. Then, while continuing our research, we came across the “Algazelles”… a much lesser-known reference.
The “algazelle”, or scimitar-horned oryx, is a large antelope with a light coat, long curved horns, and dark markings on the head and legs. Adapted to arid environments, it can survive for several months without drinking and can tolerate high body temperatures.
Long considered “extinct in the wild” (since 2000), the species was reclassified as “endangered” by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in December 2023. It therefore remains fragile.
Our team name, Algazelles Roses des Sables, creates a link between this species that must not be forgotten and the rally in which we will participate. Like these algazelles, we will need resilience and endurance to face the heat, the sand, the dunes, and the technical challenges ahead. We will also confront our fears and tackle new challenges at every stage of the adventure.
Roses des Sables Rally 2026 : Major Progress on the Project
Meeting the 2026 Roses des Sables Rally organization
We had the chance to meet the rally organization team in Québec City during an information evening. We spoke for the first time with Aurélia Roquesalane (Operations Director), Sabine Matar (Project Manager), and our Canadian coach Marie-Noëlle Denis.
At the Tequila Lounge, the new teams for the 2026 edition were also present, along with former “Roses” who had just returned from the 2025 edition. Our instructor, Patrick Trahan, was also there to get us excited about the field training sessions awaiting us.
We will be surrounded by an experienced and passionate team composed of rally-raid professionals. Some of them have participated in several editions of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
The Itinerary
The organization has completely redesigned the itinerary for the 2026 Roses des Sables Rally. It represents a new challenge of 1,200 km divided into six stages. We will travel through the southwest part of the country, near the Algerian border.
The sporting principle, however, remains the same: cover the shortest possible distance using three tools—the roadbook, a compass, and the Tripy.
The rally’s legendary stages include the marathon stage with a night of autonomy, the dune challenge, and the night stage, during which teams illuminate their vehicles. We will return to these challenges in greater detail next month. In the meantime, let’s keep our spirits shining!
The Bivouac
Ah, the bivouac… the Roses’ cocoon at the heart of the adventure. A place designed to rest, recharge, and head back out stronger.
It features a village of Saharan tents in the middle of the desert with mattresses and cushions, showers and restrooms, half-board dining, unlimited access to mineral water, a mechanical area for repairs, and a medical tent staffed by an attentive team.
Key dates for the 2026 edition
October 9: arrival at the starting bivouac in Foum Zguid. The organization will pick up the teams in their arrival city and transport them to the bivouac site.
October 16: sporting finish in Icht.
October 17: crossing the finish arch in Agadir, followed by the awards ceremony and closing event in Taghazout.
Upcoming training
Training is an essential step before taking the start. The organization has selected a new instructor for the Québec region: Patrick Trahan, a passionate and highly experienced rally-raid specialist who has participated several times in the Paris-Dakar on a motorcycle.
His training centre, Touareg Aventures hors route, is located in Mauricie in a sandy environment that offers conditions close to real rally terrain. We opted for two days of training covering driving, mechanics, roadbook reading, compass navigation, and knowledge sharing.
Where do we stand this February?
Funding
We have started sending out sponsorship proposals, an essential step in making this project possible.
Not easy! This is not our comfort zone. Reaching out to partners requires follow-ups, courage, and a great deal of perseverance.
Partnerships can be financial—which is essential—but also material: clothing, helmets, gloves, and goggles. We are also collecting items for prize draws, event tickets, or dry food supplies for our meals in the desert. Otherwise… we may have to switch to scorpion skewers!
We also collect refundable cans through Consignaction. If you would like to help, simply use the number 581-307-5287 when returning your cans so the deposit goes directly to the Algazelles account. So drink… but stay hydrated!
It means a lot to feel supported by a community that follows us, encourages us, and spreads the word. Thank you!
Visibility
We have sent our first press release to several newsrooms. It is important that people hear about us.
The result: interviews with the Courrier de Portneuf, the Journal de Québec, and Le Soleil. Every article brings us a little closer to the starting line.
Money is not flowing in yet, but we are not giving up. Let’s stay creative.
Next step: bartender for a day… Yes, nothing is beyond the Algazelles!
9 months of preparation… Follow us!
Come along for the ride!
Nine months of preparation lie ahead. Nine months of challenges, training, fundraising, and personal growth.
Next month, we will talk about the different types of stages we will face during the Roses des Sables Rally.
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