The Rebelle  was originally designed to give women in America a feel for navigation rallies held around the world in an obtainable manner. With the overwhelming international interest we received, the International Cup was introduced this year. As one of the five international teams competing this year, meet Syndiely Wade and Melanie Baudin of the Rebelle Angels, Team #155! Syndiely is from Senegal and Melanie Baudin is from France. And while they have very different backgrounds, they share a common interest in adventure and world travel. This international duo will be trekking across the American West behind the wheel of an iconic America vehicle – a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon!

Syndiely is originally from Senegal, birthplace of the Dakar Rally. She is a rally veteran whose experience includes the Dakar Rally and multiple rallies in Morocco, including winning the 4×4 category in 2011. Outside of rally, Syndiely enjoys skiing, so the Rebelle start line at Squaw Valley is of particular interest to her. By contrast, this is Melanie’s first rally. “This is my first rally and everything is new for me. I am very excited and can’t wait to start.” Melanie calls Paris home and enjoys a variety of interests including krav maga and diving. She met Syndiely in Morroco while Syndiely was competing in a rally. Motivated to compete in an off-road competition herself, Melanie an dSyndiely decided to team up for the Rebelle! Since then, the two have trained together in the Sahara desert to practice driving and navigation in the dunes to get a feel for what the Rebelle will bring.

When asked what items they couldn’t live without, Syndiely confessed that she is not very emotional and doesn’t believe in superstition. Their list is all business, including their trusty compass, BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires, a shovel, Demetz sunglasses…and good coffee!

The winners of the International Cup don’t just get a prize and bragging rights, $5000 will be donated to the charity of their choice. The Rebelle Angels are representing the Make-A-Wish Foundation France, who arrange experiences described as “wishes” to children between the ages of 3 and 17 years with life-threatening medical conditions. We are so excited to have this dynamic duo join us this year and know they will be some serious competition out in the dirt!