"MDS is in the water but not under...” says Race Director Patrick BAUER with characteristic dry humour MDS bivouac is flooded !!! A surprising and very unusual beginning to say the least for MARATHON DES SABLES 2009. The first three nights in Morocco are spent not under canvas on the bivouac... but at a hotel in Erfoud. Heavy rains on 27th and 28th March in the south of Morocco and throughout the region crossed in this edition have prevented the organisation from reaching the starting point of the race. The bivouac is flooded and competitors along with all the MDS caravan were repatriated to Erfoud yesterday evening for warmth and shelter. The first stage on 29th March has been cancelled and if the weather improves MDS will begin on 30 March. An official press release will be posted here later today.