Paris (AFP)
In lack of success since the start of this 50th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro, Anthony Marchand (Group Royer-Secours Populaire) has got back in the game by winning Wednesday the sprint 3rd stage. Yoann Richomme (Hellowork-Telegram Group), he remains leader of the race despite his 13th place of the day.
Marchand arrived as a winner Wednesday morning in the Bay of Morlaix after having fought hard in a leading group of 3 skippers, with Gildas Mahe (Breizh Cola Equi'thé) and Alexis Loison (Normandy Region).
Marchand, who had already won two stages of this race last year, took 2 days, 19 hours, 18 minutes and 12 seconds to complete the 410-mile course. He advanced only 6 minutes 12 seconds and 38 minutes 12 seconds for Loison.
And very rare the trio finished the stage with eight hours ahead of the rest of the fleet.
Richomme cut the line after 3 days and 4 hours of racing. He retains the first place in the overall standings with a lead of one hour and 26 minutes which is not insurmountable for the contenders for the final victory, like Marchand, 5th overall with his bargain of the day.
"I know I'm going to leap forward to the general, it means that the fourth stage, I'm going to play in the competition mode, I'm happy to come back in the game," said the winner of the day.
Richomme, disappointed, estimates however that he is doing rather well.
"I thought it was dead, I was necessarily a little passed by all the states because to miss the passage of Alderney to 200 meters, it was a bit hard.The whole stage was long and slow (.. .) but 1h26 in advance, I think I do not have the right to complain, "said Richomme.
Double winner of the Vendée Globe, Michel Desjoyeaux (Lumibird), back on this special edition, came in 5th place.
The start of the 4th and final stage, which will link the bay of Morlaix to Dieppe, will be given Saturday.
? 2019 AFP