'The more I do in this sport, the more I want to do' Thomas Ruyant's welcome this morning was perhaps louder and more animated than expected given it is 0400hrs in the morning, but he has known more disappointment than many of his near rivals. He has a very strong fan base in the very north of France where he comes from and a few diehards were on the dock to celebrate with Ruyant and his team this morning
This was the finest victory I have had. I have already had wins, but this one is special. It’s hard to find the words as I haven’t slept for 36 hours and very little throughout the race.
The weather wasn’t easy and to get in front I had to keep working hard. So now I’m pleased to have won. The Route du Rhum is a monument in ocean racing and sport in general. 38 Imocas and some incredible competitors. I am a competitor and I wanted to win this one. I really was determined as it was the final race with this boat.
This is a team effort. I scored the goal but I want to share this with the team. I sound a bit confused, as I’m so tired. I loved the second half of the race. I caught Charlie, because I really wanted to. I didn’t make many mistakes with the trade winds. There was the general strategy but we had to deal with squalls and use them to our advantage. It took some luck too, but luck is something you work for.
The second half was magic as I found the right speed with the boat. Charlie pushed hard, so I pushed harder. You can’t keep up this pace in the Vendée Globe. This is a real sprint. I have never been so tired at the end of a race. I’m wobbly on my legs, but I just wanted to keep going. I had confidence in the boat, as the boat was well prepared. I trust my team.
The more I do in this sport, the more I want to do. I never said I couldn’t catch Charlie. I just kept on it. Yesterday, we could see each other. It was hard after getting ahead of him. I had some messages which encouraged me, so I pushed that bit harder.