The Trophée Roses des Sables is an extraordinary event that challenges the strength, resilience, and endurance of participants through the unforgiving terrain of the Moroccan desert. This all-female rally, which combines adventure, skill, and charity, has garnered attention and admiration worldwide, especially for its empowering narrative and its contribution to causes like breast cancer awareness, the French Red Cross, and others. In October 2017, two Montrealers, Charlie Wagner and Catherine Asselin, made history by winning the prestigious race, an achievement that stands as a testament to their determination, teamwork, and preparation.
The Trophée Roses des Sables: An Overview
The Trophée Roses des Sables is not just a race; it is an adventure that pushes participants to their limits. This unique rally takes place annually, typically starting in the coastal town of Biarritz, France, and traversing the challenging Moroccan desert before culminating in the vibrant city of Marrakech. The event lasts for 10 grueling days, during which competitors navigate seven stages, covering a vast and diverse landscape, including the arid stretches of desert dunes and rocky terrains.
Unlike traditional races, the focus of the Trophée Roses des Sables is not on speed but rather on navigation, strategy, and endurance. Teams of two women are tasked with driving 4WD recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) across checkpoints, relying solely on a roadbook and compass to guide them through the desert. The race is intentionally designed to eliminate reliance on technology, requiring participants to trust their instincts and skills.
The Montreal Victory: Charlie Wagner and Catherine Asselin’s Triumph
The victory of Montrealers Charlie Wagner and Catherine Asselin in the 2017 Trophée Roses des Sables rally is a remarkable story of teamwork, preparation, and perseverance. For the duo, the journey to the Moroccan desert was not just about participating in a rally but about pursuing an adventure that would push their boundaries.
Wagner and Asselin’s story began when Asselin, who worked for Cirque du Soleil, saw that another Quebec team had won the race the previous year. Intrigued by the idea, Asselin pitched the notion to Wagner, and the duo quickly realized that they were up for the challenge. Their professional backgrounds and shared passion for adventure set the stage for their ambitious goal.
Preparation: A Year of Rigorous Training
Preparation for such a demanding race was intense and thorough. Wagner and Asselin weren’t just training their physical endurance; they were also learning crucial navigation skills, understanding the intricacies of their vehicle, and perfecting the mental toughness required to endure the desert’s harsh conditions. The support they received from Cirque du Soleil, their sponsor, played an instrumental role in their success.
The organization provided them with a wide range of resources, including performance coaches, psychologists, and nutritionists. These experts helped them refine their approach, focusing on everything from the mental aspects of racing to the nutritional needs required for the long days in the desert. Asselin also noted that Cirque du Soleil’s backing was essential in helping them stay focused and prepared for the physical and mental challenges that lay ahead.
The Challenge of the Moroccan Desert
Throughout the race, Wagner and Asselin faced physical and mental exhaustion, spending up to 12 hours a day navigating the rugged desert terrain. The desert’s unforgiving environment tested every ounce of their endurance, but they pushed through the discomforts of dust, heat, and isolation.
As they reached each checkpoint, their commitment to each other as a team grew stronger. They had to be strategic, relying on their navigation skills to avoid getting lost in the vast, barren expanse. Despite the difficulties, the camaraderie between Wagner and Asselin was a source of strength, propelling them toward their ultimate goal: crossing the finish line in Marrakech.
The Charitable Aspect: Giving Back Through Adventure
One of the most powerful aspects of the Trophée Roses des Sables is its emphasis on charity. The rally is not just a test of personal endurance but a vehicle for raising awareness and funds for various charitable causes. The event supports organizations like the French Red Cross, the Breakfast Club of Canada, and Enfants du Désert, among others.
For Wagner and Asselin, the race was also about making a difference. They participated not only for personal achievement but also to contribute to these important causes. The event encourages participants to use their journey as a platform to raise awareness, and many teams, including Wagner and Asselin’s, took the opportunity to promote breast cancer awareness, supporting the fight against this global health challenge.
A Symbol of Solidarity: The Pink Ribbon in the Desert
A particularly moving moment in the 2017 Trophée Roses des Sables came when the racers created a pink ribbon shape in the dunes of the desert. This symbolic gesture was in support of breast cancer awareness, sending a powerful message to the global audience about the importance of solidarity and fighting for a cure.
Key Stages of the Race: A Test of Skill and Endurance
1. The Start in Biarritz: The Roadbook and Compass
The Trophée Roses des Sables begins with a ceremonial start in Biarritz, where participants receive their roadbook and compass for the first time. The roadbook contains detailed instructions on the route, including the coordinates for each checkpoint. However, this is not a race of speed—it is a race of precision, where the ability to navigate successfully is far more important than being the fastest.
2. The Desert: Navigating the Seven Stages
Over the course of seven stages, the participants face numerous challenges, including the infamous marathon stage, which is one of the most physically demanding. The terrain varies from rocky plains to sand dunes, requiring constant adjustment of strategy and pace. The Moroccan desert, with its extreme temperatures and ever-changing landscape, tests the participants’ ability to adapt to new challenges with every turn.
3. The Finish Line in Marrakech
After 10 days of intense competition, the final stage of the rally concludes in Marrakech, where participants are greeted by the celebration of their accomplishments. Crossing the finish line is not just about the personal victory; it is a moment of reflection on the journey and the trials they have endured.
The Impact and Legacy of Trophée Roses des Sables
The Trophée Roses des Sables stands as a beacon of female empowerment and solidarity. It offers an opportunity for women from all walks of life to showcase their strength, determination, and resilience. While the race is intense and physically demanding, it also fosters an environment where women can bond, share experiences, and push each other to be the best versions of themselves.
A Growing International Community
As the event grows in popularity, more and more women from across the globe are taking part in the rally, forming an international community of adventurers who share the same spirit of competition and charity. This global network continues to inspire new generations of women to embrace adventure, take risks, and make meaningful contributions to society.
Conclusion
The victory of Charlie Wagner and Catherine Asselin in the 2017 Trophée Roses des Sables is more than just a personal achievement—it is a symbol of the power of teamwork, determination, and preparation. Their success in the Moroccan desert, supported by Cirque du Soleil, exemplifies the extraordinary potential of women who are willing to take on the toughest challenges. Through their participation, they not only achieved greatness but also contributed to raising awareness for vital causes like breast cancer, demonstrating the enduring power of sport and adventure to inspire positive change.