Here’s to the Ladies, True Princesses!
8th edition from 27th May to 1st June 2007 - from Paris to Monaco
EDITOrial : Here’s to the Ladies, True Princesses!
Take a moment and ask yourself how long it’s been since someone called you “my princess”.For many of us, it’s been far too long! In fact, the Prince Charming who whispered these delicious words in our ear was most likely our own father tucking us in at bedtime and sending us off to our childhood dreams.
For some, lucky ones there are still fleeting moments as adults when we get to be the princess for an evening or a special event but let’s admit it: traditions fade and there are a few down sides to Women’s Lib! So now, imagine the illustrious Place Vendôme, a princess walks out of the Ritz… we all know the scene - except THIS time, the princess is YOU! Steering wheel in hand, you take command of your destiny. Let the fairytale begin!
It’s been seven years now since Viviane Zaniroli initially came up with the idea of re-launching the Paris-Saint-Raphaelmotor race, a marvellous tradition originally begun back in 1929 with the unique twist of only admitting female competitors. Over the years, this rally brought some of the greatest names in driving into the limelight including the rally’s founder, none other than the Comte de Rohan Chabot. It thus seemed rather natural for Viviane Zaniroli to pay homage to the count’s family by baptising the event the “Princesses” Rally.
At first, some royalty stepped up to the plate, taking on the athletic challenge perhaps just for the fun of it; but the rally’s sophisticated organisation and technically astute course have made it one of the key trials for all true, classic road racers. Princesses or not, the competitors get caught up in the game playing with great finesse, well-thought-out tactics, and pure virtuosity to master their cars and race against the clock – knowing all along that an antique (pre-war thru 1974 model) cannot be handled like a modern-day speedster. No automatic steering to help handle the hair-pin turns. No high-tech electronic guidance to help guide you along the country back-roads. No comfy shock absorbers to ease the ride through the rough terrain. Make way for the double declutch, the old-fashioned brake drums, the spring plates that bang into your kidneys, etc.! The classic Jaguars, Bugattis, Ferraris, MGs, Porsches and the likes cannot be tamed without a certain amount of diplomacy.
On the road, we have fun, we take the time to enjoy the views, but this is no Sunday drive. This is serious business. We must remain focused as we race against the clock through the vineyards, under the shady pines, or along the rocky cliffs. Later, in the evening, our Princesses can relax and recount their fabulous adventures to each other as they laugh (having survived the day’s trials and tribulations). Each night’s rest stop offers the perks of well-deserved pampering – Princess style: champagne at the finish line, beauty gifts in the hotel room (where your luggage already awaits), dinner all together with the day’s list of awards. The organisers do everything to make sure these women (many of whom are busy, working professionals, with very active lives) forget the crazy stresses of their day-to-day responsibilities for just one delicious week of testing ones’ self and learning on every level, to live it up as true princesses during a short but priceless break in their routines. Whether they are married or single, corporate executives or home-makers, entrepreneurs, artists, employees, whatever, our Princesses take one full week off to devote themselves to their passion: driving! And they savour the added pleasure of being treated like a true Princess, revelling in the recognition of their unique and wonderfully singular magic
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