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A few weeks before the start of the AMV Shamrock-Rallye du Maroc that will take place around Laâyoune on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and on the edge of the Sahara, preparation is well underway. As far as the organisation is concerned, the course is done and everything is ready. Participants will enjoy all the diversity of a genuine African rally. Professionals and amateurs from Europe, Africa and North America are all going to experience an intense week full of amazing emotions and sensations.

On an international scale!
More than ever before the AMV Shamrock-Rallye du Maroc can boast about being a truly international event. Registration closes on 4th September, and to date in the motorbike category many different nationalities will be represented. The bike rally regulars, French, Spanish and British, will share the limelight with competitors who have come from farther afield, Canada and the United States, and also nearby as several Moroccan bikers will be racing on their home turf. For the cars, it's the same state of affairs as the French, Spanish and Portuguese pilots will battle it out against competitors from chillier climes, Russia for example. The 2008 vintage has a resolutely international flavour!

Experienced and beginners… They're all coming!
Whether bikers or drivers, famous or anonymous, the old desert dogs will rub tyres with rally neophytes. A few weeks prior to departure, a few of them revealed their state of mind and the targets they have set themselves….

Incisive and talented … Michaël Pisano in the bike category A Corsican from the Ajaccio region, Michaël Pisano began his rally raid career in 2007. He was immediately noticed in his first event and notched up a magnificent 2nd place in the Tunisia Rally last May. On his Yamaha 450, he is now attacking the Morocco Rally. He is determined to take part in a major event in January 2009 in South America or in Africa and sees the 2008 AMV Shamrock-Morocco Rally as ideal preparation.

“I've never taken part in the Shamrock and my only experience in Morocco was an endurance event in February this year. The terrain I've been able to see in Morocco looks more like Corsica than the terrain I raced on in Tunisia where the special courses were really fast. If the course has twists and turns and is technical I'll be comfortable on my 450. But it looks like the sand will have the upper hand… We'll see. I need to improve my navigation and this is the perfect opportunity for that. Whatever happens, I'm going to make every effort to get to the end of the course and achieve the best possible result. I have kept in good shape over the summer and have been training every day - I'm really motivated. My tough physical preparation will start on 1st September, but to keep fit I've been doing lots of road cycling, rowing and motocross. Since the the Tunisia rally, I've cycled 4,000km!!”