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While he was leading the leg to Newport, the sailors and the whole team considered all possible solutions so that a mast could be transported as quickly as possible in the hope of being able to finish this fourth leg.
But in the end, Kevin Escoffier announced his arrival in Rio that he had to decide to abandon the stage in order to give himself the best chance of being at the start on May 21 of the transatlantic race between Newport and Aarhus. The current leaders of the general classification cannot miss this meeting with a double coefficient.
“It’s a very difficult decision to make, but common sense prevails. Since our removal, the whole team has been totally focused on finding the best solutions so that we can get back into competition. Starting again on this fourth stage would allow us to take a point, but not to arrive in time to line up at the start of the next Newport stage. However, the sporting stakes of the fifth stage are preponderant and we want to be able to present our best level for this stage which will count double. We are definitely still aiming for victory on this round the world race and with that in mind, this is the best decision we can make. commented the skipper of Holcim-PRB.
If the objective is now clear, the countdown continues to run despite everything. The Holcim-PRB team led by the team manager Marine
Marine
Marine nationale
Derrien has extensive experience in logistics and this will be key in the days to come. The operations will be carried out at full speed and in a very methodical manner. In Rio, the members of the shore team, assisted by the sailors, will prepare for theIMOCA
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to load it quill onto a freighter. This one could set sail on Tuesday to set sail for Newport. It will take him about 16 days at sea to reach the American port. At the same time, on the other side of the Atlantic, the mast will be loaded on board another cargo ship. The crossing will last 7 days and the mast could be landed between May 9 and May 10 Newport.
The team is therefore preparing to keep up a breathless pace for the next three weeks. The slightest grain of sand can disrupt the whole system and each step must be perfectly anticipated and mastered so that Holcim-PRB can line up on May 21 alongside the other four. IMOCA
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of The Ocean Race
the Ocean Race
The Ocean Race et Volvo Ocean Race
. For Kevin Escoffier, there is no doubt that his team will take up this challenge.
“I know that everyone is very mobilized and welded so that we are in Newport on time. I have total confidence in my team to take up this collective challenge. We receive a lot of messages of support and it’s a great energizer. Our partners are also fully on our side and are also showing incredible determination. I have only one desire, to continue this magical race. In Newport, at the start of the fifth stage, it is possible that we are still at the top of the general classification. Mechanical breakage is part of our sport, we accept it. The next stage will be decisive for the rest of the race and we look forward to giving the best as we have done so far” concludes Kevin Escoffier.
Best-case scenario, Holcim-PRB will be May 18 in Newport. The team will then have just over 48 hours to manage the boat and finish preparing it for the start of the return trip to Europe. Once this challenge has been met, the sailors will have only one desire: to share the best place at the finish in Aarhus with all the people who will have overflowing with energy to make this stage possible.
#Kevin #Escoffier
