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EDITO
The final pieces of the puzzle are nearly in place and in a few day’s time more than 700 competitors from all over the world will be living out an experience they’ve been dreaming of for some time. And you can be sure ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale will rise to the occasion. A race like the MARATHON DES SABLES requires rigorous organisation. Our team work throughout the year to make everyone’s job easier once in Morocco. Nothing is ever presumed perfect and every area is analysed with a view to making improvements.
The most important thing is to ensure runners’ safety. Every year we redouble our efforts and means so that competitors can feel as calm as possible when running their course.
We then have to see to all the normal adjustments inherent in transporting an event of this size and the inventory of equipment needed to cope with every eventuality. A lot of work goes into allowing for the unexpected. This all relies on the complicity of a solid team of volunteers who stay out of the limelight but are passionate about what they do… applying their savoir faire to the service of the runners and all in the name of friendship. They’re often old friends that go back a long way and do everything possible to make each edition a success. They don’t count their time and don’t hesitate to come to preparatory meetings at weekends… and which may mean travelling long distances.
As we’re all now ending the period of preparation, we would like to pay tribute to that group of right-hand men and women and to all the volunteers for the enthusiasm they bring to our cosmopolitan caravan. They’ve played a major role in the history of MDS and their presence and kindness have made many a competitor feel much more than just a number. So thanks to every single volunteer.
Thanks also to all the participants for the trust they place in our team. The 2006 edition, with its breathtaking landscapes and surprises lined up to mark the anniversary of AOI, will stay in your minds forever. In the meantime remember to start slowing down as of now so you arrive as relaxed as possible. The MDS is above all a gathering which you’re meant to enjoy and where the essential thing is to cross the finish line, whatever your ranking.
Look forward to seeing you very soon
AOI
* photos and more info on www.darbaroud.com

Next edition
from 10 to 17 decembre 2006


The DESERT CUP 2006 looks set to take you to Dogon country in Mali.
Information and reservation form* will soon be available on our web-site:

http://www.darbaroud.com

* N.B. registration is limited to 200 places

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE AND ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
Some competitors have already sent AOI one or both of these documents. The organisation cannot register them. You will therefore have to undergo another medical visit and ECG if you have made this mistake. The documents MUST be dated between 06 March and 06 April 2006. Each competitor must present the documents on 08 April in Morocco, failing which you may be refused entry to the race. The ECG is also compulsory.
N.B.: the medical certificate to be validated by a doctor (signature and stamp) is the one in the registration file sent by AOI.
MEDICAL
DOCTROTTER are specialists in providing medical aid in extreme conditions. This year’s team of 38 doctors and nurses will monitor competitors’ state of health.
They’re accustomed to blisters and the rest so don’t hesitate to consult them to stop an irritation becoming a serious problem.

REGULAR TREATMENT
Every competitor must possess the treatment he/she needs to ensure daily wellbeing. Aspirin, anti-sickness tablets, adhesive tape, plasters for blisters and medicine (such as Imodium) are the strict minimum. No vitamin supplements will be given without a penalty.
du 7 au 17 avril 2006
SURVIVAL KIT
Competitors are provided with distress flares weighing 360g, plus 14g of salt tablets. The distress flare must be accessible at all times (not in bottom of bag). As for the salt, 2g per day will help you remain hydrated.
COMPASSES
Even if MDS is not an orientation course as the route is marked out virtually all the way, your compass must be sufficiently precise to allow you to take your bearings. When crossing the ergs (dune zones) where it is very difficult to mark out straight lines, you’ll find it easier to take your bearings than look for the markers.
BACK-PACKS
The ideal back-pack does not exist. You’ll have to try one out and modify it. The less it moves the better. You can add straps, elastic or otherwise, at chest or stomach level. Compression straps are very useful once your food supplies have reduced. Little pockets can also be sewn on. Freezer bags with zips are very practical for organising equipment inside the back pack.
SLEEPING BAG
Sleeping bags must be good enough to protect from the cold (temperatures can be low in April, low calorie intake, fatigue). Simple sheets and oversheets are not considered sufficient and are not accepted by the organisation.
IDENTIFICATION MARKS & RACE NUMBERS
Race stewards will be strict concerning the position and visibility of your race numbers. The breast-plate (20 x 24cm) is worn on the chest not on the stomach, or under the stomach (art. 8 and 9). Your number plate must not be folded, or covered by straps (they must go underneath).
Be careful ! failing to respect the positioning of race numbers can lead to disqualification from the race. (Art. 27 and 28).
Start thinking about where you should put your sponsorship logos on your t-shirt and back-pack. You have the collar, the stomach, sleeves, cap, shorts, back-pack etc.
FOOD
Competitors must be able to show 2,000 calories per remaining day of the course in order to satisfy their calorie needs. This means having 14,000 K/cal on the technical checks day of 08 April (see ART 24, 27 and 28 plus the table on page 7 and 16 of the race regulations).
CHECKS AT START
The water distribution point each morning is situated on the bivouac. It is a COMPULSORY check-point. Water is generally distributed between 7h and 8h. Competitors arriving between 8h and 8h30 will receive a 30 minute penalty. If you arrive after 8h30 you can no longer get your card punched and will receive a 1 hour penalty or possibly disqualification (see ART 13, 16, 27 and 28).
MARKINGS
The distance of the MARATHON DES SABLES must be the same for everyone. It is therefore worth remembering that the markings must be followed by all participants, failing which heavy penalties will be levied. (See ART. 22 and 28).
ANTI-DOPING CONTROLS
Anti-doping controls will be carried out through the FFA according to International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) norms. As a result, competitors on medication must be able to show their medical file relating to this treatment plus the prescription. For competitors registered with a national federation, the results will be communicated to national and international instances with possible sanctions if the results prove positive.
The anti-doping commission on the MARATHON DES SABLES will take all decisions in the event of a positive result ranging from warning to disqualification, according to the seriousness of the “products” used.
BEWARE OF PENALTIES !
You must read the race regulations carefully. Too many competitors skip through them or think they already know them. Every year, penalties are regularly handed out for badly-positioned race numbers and delays in reaching the start in the morning. (ART. 8, 9, 13 and 16).
MARATHON DES SABLES PROGRAM
“special competitor”
4 charter flights have been reserved from Paris
07 avril 2006 • The time at which you must be at ROISSY CHARLES DE GAULLE airport will be communicated to you by post.
You will then be told which desk to go to for your flight. In case of a possible change of terminal by ROYAL AIR MAROC, please be on time to ensure this change can be accommodated at the last minute.
• You must have a valid passport and your luggage with you
• Handing out of tickets at the appropriate desk
• Weighing of luggage: 20 Kgs maximum per person
• Handing-out of road-book. Arrival at OUARZAZATE
Those not taking the plane with AOI must be at Ouarzazate airport at 10h00 (10.00 am).
• Immediate transfer from Ouarzazate to bivouac (220 km - 3 hours 30),
lunch-packe ; Arrival at 1st bivouac, dinner and night at bivouac

08 avril 2006
• Breakfast at bivouac; administrative, technical and medical checks.
• Following checks: free day, lunch and dinner at bivouac.

du 09 au 15 avril 2006
THE RACE
• Beginning of self sufficiency in food: from breakfast 0ç April breakfast to breakfast 15 April .

15 avril 2006
END OF THE RACE
• Bus transfer to hotel in Ouarzazate , lunch paquet; collecting of personal affaires, dinner and night at hotel (1/2 pension)

16 avril 2006
• Breakfast at hotel.
• 10H00 to 17H00 - distribution of Tee-shirt MDS - MARATHON DES SABLES shop to Hotel Azghor
• Free time, lunch not provided;
• 15H00 prize giving ceremony - coktail Hotel Azghor
• Dinner and night at hotel (1/2 pension)

17 avril 2006
• Breakfast at hotel. Free time the morning, lunch not provided
• Transfer in from hotel to Ouarzazate airport. Departure flight
• Arrival Paris (see your flight ticket).
The 21st MARATHON DES SABLES will take place under the
High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI

TV - PRESS
Attention toute déprogrammation de dernière minute ou changement d’horaire serait indépendant de notre volonté
PRESS
CIMBALY International will be providing the world’s television channels with 20 minutes of daily video footage. Pictures will be transmitted by satellite from 09 to 15 April and give an overview of each day’s stage allowing viewers to follow the evolution of the race.

A few figures : the team : 12 people, 1 coach equipped with 3 editing suites - 1 satellite dish - 1 helicopter - 5 vehicles

The technical means available and the level of autonomy mean that images can be sent at any time and links ensured with the newsrooms.
A number of tv crews will be present this year:
RTM (Morocco) – production and broadcast of 2 subjects per day from 09 to 15 April
I télé & Canal + (France) – production and broadcast of 1 to 2 subjects between 9 and 15 April
IDIP Films (Switzerland)– making of a 40-minute documentary, entitled “Le Marathon de la Vie” (The marathon of life) to be broadcast on “Télévision Suisse Romande” channel.
Crazyfoto (Italy) – 24-minute reportage to be broadcast on “Sardegna TV” channel.
Ginger TV (GB) – 60-minute documentary entitled “Jack Osbourne – the Hard Way Around” to be broadcast on “ITV2” and “ITV1” (GB) plus “Discovery Travel Channel” (USA) (to be confirmed).
Focus TV productions (Germany) – two reportages. First is a 20-minute “Focus TV”, to be broadcast on “ProSieben” channel and second is a 28-minute “Focus TV Reportage”, to be broadcast on “Sat 1” (Germany) channel.
NTV (Japan) – documentary to be broadcast on the programme “Hiramekin Gold” on Nippon Television Network Corporation.

Other crews subject to confirmation :
LBC (Lebanon) • RTBF (Belgium)
• TF1 and France Télévision for “Stade 2” and “Tout le sport”, these two channels have always covered MDS in the past.

Details of programming schedules to follow on www.darbaroud.com

JOGGING Internationale : reportage on 21st MDS in the May or June 2006 issue
AFP : press communiqués sent daily from the bivouac.
L’Equipe Magazine, La lettre Sport Finance et Marketing des Echos, Free sport, le Parisien, Europe Sport and les Echos in sport business, Europe 1 and many others will be reporting on MDS 2006 through articles and radio programmes

Foreign press: in progress, Le Matin (Morocco)
Details of dates of publication to follow on www.darbaroud.com

WEBSITE
From now on surfers can consult the list of competitors. From 09 to 15 April inclusive: route map, press communiqués and photos of the race, rankings, weather and other info all on line...
(N.B. for on-line info remember the time zone : Morocco = GMT +0
PARTICIPANTS
More than 750 competitors are enrolled this year, including 43 official teams.
There'll be 32 nationalities for this 21st edition:
South Africa, Germany, England, Austria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Korea, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, France, Finland, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Japan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, Nepal, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, USA.
Youngest competitor is 19 (Japan), the oldest is 70 (France).
Number of women: 96

FFA LABEL FOR THE MDS
On 8 February 2006 the French Athletics Federation decided to award the MARATHON DES SABLES with a label:
- For the quality of its organisation
- The care taken over runners’ health and safety
- The interest it has in the environment.
As a result MARATHON DES SABLES has received the FFA label for top international adventure race

INTERNET RANKINGS
The rankings posted on our web-site will be provisional. They are listed as and when runners arrive and will not be immediately complete.
If a name does not appear, it probably means the runner has not yet been ranked. Desert conditions slow down the treatment of information, so you should not worry but consult the site later for updates.
N.B. : Morocco = GMT + 0. (2 hour time difference between France and Morocco: 19H in France = 17H in Morocco).

TEAMS
IT4 GERMANY : The members of this 8-strong German team are all doing MDS for the first time : Stéphanie KEMP - BISCHOFF, Andreas DORFLER, Frank ROTH, Karim ELABIERY, Horst HEIER, Lukas ROZENKRANZ, Stephan-Georg ANNE and Werner OBERMAIER.
CHILDREN’S HOPE ME : Dima and Lama HATTAB (Jrd) have done 3 DESERT CUPs in Jordan and 1 MDS. They’re coming back with Lebanese friend Ali WEBHI and are running to raise money for children suffering from cancer back home.
BASF : Frenchmen Frédéric DUBOIS, Siegfried VENOT, Gilles LE-FUR, André MURCILLAT, Eric DUPARCHY, Etienne TANCHON, Luc HENNEBERT and Laurent PAPPALARDO want above all to experience the race as a team who share the same values.
BNP PARIBAS : In this franco-moroccan team Mustapha LAJHOU (Mor) will represent the Moroccan branch (BMCI) of the French banking group and Yann ROBERT, Didier MIROL and Christophe PARIS the holding company.
M & P RISK AGENCY 1 : Loyal as ever, this Italian team is of a high level, with Marco OLMO, Marco GOZZANO and Ferdinando HARDOUIN MONROY. The two Marcos always finish in the top 10.
M & P Risk Agency 2 : A second Italian team will be led by our representative in Italy Paolo ZUBANI who’s on his 18th MDS.
He’s joined by Tullio MASTRANGELLO and Gorgio SIMONETTI who’re on their 5th MDS.
I GRAGH : Another old-hand - Mario MALERBA (I) is running his 9th MDS. He always finishes well and has two team-mates of a similar level : Paolo ROVERA (I) and Alessandro ARNAUDO (I).
SAHARA GURKA : This British army team consists of Edward JANVRIN (GB) and 3 Nepalese: Kedar SINGJALI, Tamang FURBA BUDDHI and Lawati YAMBIKRAM. The Nepalese competitors want to test their endurance in the desert.
29th REGIMENT RLC : 3 English soldiers out to test their physical and mental strength. Tina JONES (GB), Stuart MILLER-HALL (GB) and Mark TETHER (GB).
ACCURSUS SINE TIMOR : Like many Brits, David BEARE (GB), Steven PEARCE (GB) and Robert TREADWELL (GB) are running to raise money for charity, in this case the "Multiple Sclerosis Society".
GROSVENOR : three young lads from London working for the Grosvenor investment company. Nicholas GRAY(GB), Rory PENN (GB) and William BUCKINGHAM-BURR (GB) say they’re determined and ambitious. And as they like a challenge, they shouldn’t be disappointed
MADJC : Crispin COMONTE(GB), Dominic COMONTE (GB), James GOODE(GB), Alexander HASLAM(GB) and Michael KYNOCH (GB) are running to raise money for cancer.
Team ODYSSEY : Georges MANTZOROS (US), Jonathan Paul DAVIES(GB) and Michael RUDD (GB) are good runners who like hill-climbing and the simple things in life.
CTM : The Moroccan Transport Company will be well represented with Hassan OULMYR (M) and Mustafa AIT AMAR (M), who’ve already finished in 3rd place, alongside Abdessadek ZAID(M) 6th in 2004 , Ibrahim DOUL (M) 10th in 2003 and Mohamed HAMCHAM(M) who’s running MDS for the 1st time.
COCA COLA : Nadia DADOUN(M) is enrolled for her 8th MDS in a row. She’s joined by Emmanuel DE BUCHERE(F) and Brahim ERRAGRAGUI(M) who’ve both put in good performances in the past.
ROYAL AIR MAROC : MDS’ official carrier has 4 Moroccan runners flying its colours: Mohamed BOUHRIM, Issam FOUADI, Abderrahmane BOUHADDIOUI and Brahim NAIT LAHCEN.
COMANAV 1 : The Moroccan Navigation company has a champion team in the shape of Lahcen and Mohamad AHANSAL (M) alongside the female winner of the Zagora marathon Touda DIDI (M) and Lofti BENMRAD(F) who’s got 3 MDS under his belt.
COMANAV 2 : Another highly competitive team with 3 good Moroccan runners: Mohamed REDOUAN, Lhacen JAJA and Samir AKHDAR.
BASE TAMDEM SPORTS : This Spanish team is made up of Josef AJRAM TARES(SP), Sergi BONHOME JORDANA(SP) and Eduard SANCHEZ GARCIA(SP).
ARANDA AVANTURA : Juan Ignacio ABEJON VICARIO, José HERRERO CALVO, Javier VELASCO SANTAMARIA and Delfin ESTEBAN REVENGA make up this Spanish team.
YWNRA VERTIC Team : Jaime and Francisco TERES COSTA(SP) like Alberto ZORRILLA NEBOT (SP) have already run MDS. They’re joined by Jorge BARNANY CAHIZ (SP) and Alejandro BEREA CASTEJON (SP).
MEUPHINE 1 bouchon 1 sourire : Team is represented by Géraldine COURDESSES(F), Alain AUBRION(F) and Hervé DEMIRDJIAN(F) who’s back for his 2nd MDS
LA PORTE DES SABLES : Laurence CLODY (F) Jean ACCOYER (F), Jean VALLON (F) and Dietrich KOHLER

MARATHON DES SABLES BOUTIQUE
The MDS boutique will be open on 8th April and then in Ouarzazate once the race is over.
8 April* on the bivouac: Buff MDS, “special sand” MDS sunglasses and cap.
16 April at Hotel Azghor : buff, tee shirt, shirt, MDS trousers,...
* no ESBIT products available during the race

BUS JOURNEY BACK TO OUARZAZATE
Every year a few runners are met by friends and family at the final finish line and decide to return to Ouarzazate using their own means of transport. In such cases they are no longer covered by the organisation’s insurance and AOI therefore accepts no responsibility in the event of an accident.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION ON 15 and 16 APRIL
On return to Ouarzazate all competitors are in double rooms. The hotel forms, included in the road book, allow you to choose the person with whom you will share a room. For reservation and insurance reasons, only competitors can be accommodated for these two nights. Competitors wishing to share rooms with their families must make their own arrangements.

SAY CHEESE!
As usual Robert MOLEDA (F) will be with us from 08 to 15 April to capture runners’ exploits on camera.
A CD rom with photos of the 21st MDS will be made during the course and available as from May* including individual photos of runners
* photos and order form on web-site

HUMANITARIAN ACTIONS
With AOI coordination, several humanitarian projects will see the light of day as part of the 21st edition of MDS.
During the race, competitors will go past a new well-shaft equipped with solar pumping station. The company GTR, represented by its team, has financed this work which involved digging a 35m-deep well, installing a photovoltaique pump and restoring a water tower, drinking point for livestock and a fountain.
It was all carried out with the support of the Direction Hydraulique de Er Rachidia (Er Rachidia Water Board), the technical help of EAUSOLEIL association and the logistic back-up of AOI. Total cost: 25,000 euros.
1 BOUCHON = 1 SOURIRE (1 bottle top = 1 smile). For this 21st MDS, AOI aims to get everyone to do their bit by inviting runners and support staff to collect up to 70,000 bottle tops during the race. The association MEUPHINE can then raise money with the recycled plastic.
Once the race is over, the village of MIRZANE will be equipped with a solar pumping station to provide all the houses water.
The association EAUSOLEIL will carry out the project which is to be financed by the association DROIT AU COEUR, presided over by MICHEL BACH (running his 18th MDS!).
Over the year, the association PORTE DES SABLES (represented by an official team of the same name) will hopefully be riding on a wave of solidarity that will see the founding of an orphanage for 25 children. The commune of OUARZAZATE is offering the land but the finance, amounting to 140,000 euros, will come from private donors. AOI is delighted to participate in this wonderful project by donating a few euros from each competitor’s enrolment.

OPERATION KEEP THE DESERT CLEAN
Through respect for the environment, all bottles will be numbered and penalties handed out to runners whose bottles are found on the race route, between the start of each day’s stage, the check-points and the finish line (ART.27 et 28)
In addition, the MARATHON DES SABLES will once more be using an incinerator lorry. The lorry is designed to destroy all the rubbish created by the marathon runners. Its autocombustion oven is capable of burning organic matter but also plastic and light metals.

MDS SPONSORS & PARTNERS
New Balance : For the 21st edition, New Balance has decided to renew its partnership for 2006, 2007 and 2008. The famous and highly respected make of sports equipment is known worldwide and has always been an innovator. Such common ground will hopefully allow for a long term collaboration, to everyone’s delight.
Eurosport : The leading European sports channel has renewed its commitment this year and has been the main media partner of the event for nearly 15 years now.
Jogging International : The number 1 running and fitness magazine was the event’s first partner from the world of print and Jogging Magazine remains loyal to the organisation.
Buff : this Spanish company is exclusive inventor and manufacturer of the Buff scarf. The company equips and protects competitors and organisers from the sometimes difficult climatic conditions in the desert.
darbaroud.com : official web-site of the MARATHON DES SABLES, it will once more enable everyone to follow the course as it happens.
Royal Air Maroc : RAM was the MARATHON DES SABLES’ first partner (21 years of collaboration) and the race’s official carrier. Several Boeings are chartered to facilitate logistics and transport competitors to Moroccan soil. Its international network allows competitors and journalists to travel from all over the world.
Office National Marocain du Tourisme : the ONMT (Moroccan National Office of Tourism) is an official partner of the event and welcomes the press conference in Paris. For 2006, Morocco has chosen to make the desert part of its communication campaign.
CIEL : The Coca-Cola group hydrates the MARATHON DES SABLES. For the second year it will provide both competitors and organisation with 100,000 litres of “Ciel” water. A partnership as precious as water in the desert.
Hyatt Regency : The MARATHON DES SABLES spirit (adventure, competition, reliability), as well as its international vocation, have attracted the Hyatt Regency hotel in Casablanca which is a partner to the event for the 7th consecutive year. The Hyatt Regency will once more welcome the press conference on 30 March in Morocco.
KIA Motors : A newcomer in the family of MARATHON DES SABLES partners, the Korean constructor is stepping into this wonderful race via its representative in Morocco. KIA will equip the race management on the MARATHON DES SABLES.
Civil and military authorities : The success of the Marathon des Sables is linked to the active support of the Royal Armed forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Customs Board and local authorities of the Saharan provinces.

CELEBRITY CORNER ON THE 21st MDS
Lhacen and Mohamad Ahansal. These children of Zagora are exceptional athletes and have reached the top of the podium for the last nine years, proudly sporting the colours of Morocco
Jack Osbourne (GB), actor and son of the famous British rock star Ozzy Osbourne. After several tv series about his life, this year Jack has given himself a number of challenges, including finishing the 21st MDS. Thousands of fans will be following his exploits.
Paul Le Guen (F) is a football coach, having trained in particular Olympique Lyonnais, three times champion of France under his tutelage. He left OL at the end of last year and is having a bit of a sabbatical before undoubtedly joining another renowned club in the months to come.
Jonny Lee Miller (GB). This famous British actor has been directed by Woody Allen and starred in the legendary British soap-opera EastEnders. Gained international renown thanks to his roles in Trainspotting and Hackers…
Mina Fukui is a top model and Takayo Kashiwagi and Aina Nishiaki are both actresses. These 3 Japanese women have been training for the last year for MDS 2006; tv crews have been following them from the very first day of training and regularly broadcasting the trio’s adventures.

ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION Internationale
BP 98 - 10003 TROYES Cedex - FRANCE
Tél. : (33) 03 25 76 57 77 / Fax : (33) 03 25 76 87 75
E-Mail : aoi@darbaroud.com - WEB : http://www.darbaroud.com
Sahara News n° 79 realized by CIMBALY International
Pépé et Marie - Webmaster : Cimbaly

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