Key points :
- Crédit Mutuel won Act 8 coastal race in Hyères
- Not much change overall, as rivals for podium Lorina Limonade and Grandeur Nature Véranda finished 4th and 2nd
- Oman Airports disappointed with 10th place today
- 2016 TDFV to finish in Nice, with sobriety and dignity for the victims of July 14th attack
After a tough few days in the Med as they arrived from their home land of Brittany, Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne snatched a clear victory today in the bay of Hyères, and although today’s result doesn’t change the leaderboard, it gives the team a much welcome gain of confidence, as Damien Iehl explained after racing : « we are so happy. This is exactly what we needed. The race was long and difficult but in the end, the wind built up and it was so nice being in the lead. All around the course Fred and Matthieu managed to chose the right tacks, and we crossed ahead at the second last mark. Grandeur Nature also sailed very well today so we are only gain one point on them, but this victory is great for our team ».
« What a fantastic race », said Grandeur Nature Vérandas skipper Jean-Christophe Mourniac at the finish. « Despite our individual recall, we had a good boatspeed and managed to climb the fleet all the way up with a great battle against Crédit Mutuel. They had a bit more luck at the mark in front of Brégançon when they passed us. They are gaining one point, but we are confident ».
With a 4th place today, Team Lorina Limonade – Golfe du Morbihan remains the solid leader with 54 point margin. With only three racing days left, all they have to do to secure overall title is to sail wisely, as Kévin Péponnet explained : « We just want to avoid breaking something. It would be stupid to lose 24 points in just on race. We have less pressure than we had in the Atlantic, so now it’s just pure pleasure. We have to time to enjoy the Med breathtaking coastline »
Oman Airports by OmanSail co skippers Thierry Douillard and Stevie Morrison are back with the Omani squad today but Thierry’s injury prevents him from sailing for now, so today it was Stevie Morrison, Pierre Leboucher and Abdul Al Mashari onboard. Omani crew admitted being disappointed with their 10th position today but is enjoying his first Tour experience : « We were aiming for the top 5 and we are so sailing 100% because of the crew configuration with Thierry being on land, so it’s a bit frustrating. But we always try to keep our spirits high. It’s the most important. It’s not Oman first TDFV, but it is the first time on a Diam 24, so we are still learning ».
Tour de France à la Voile Director Jean-Baptiste Durier has announced this morning that the event will finish in Nice as originally planned, but considering recent Bastille Day tragic attack, race organisation has decided to remove all festive and popular aspect, to only maintain the sporting aspect of the event. « Our deepest thoughts go to the victims and their families and friends. This last Act in nice will pay tribute to them and be set with sobriety and dignity »
