The emotion of Alex Thomson on the road to Cape Town: "I feel broken"

2020-11-30T22:15:41.076Z

The British skipper sent a moving message to the players and followers of the Vendée Globe on Monday. This Monday afternoon, Hugo Boss was spinning at 18 knots all south of the Atlantic within the peloton of the Vendée Globe. But unlike his competitors, Alex Thomson will soon turn the turn signal to the left to reach Cape Town where his technical team awaits him. One of the rudders of his destroyed boat, the Briton has no choice but to give up in the race he so coveted. During the video-confession

This Monday afternoon, Hugo Boss was spinning at 18 knots all south of the Atlantic within the peloton of the Vendée Globe.

But unlike his competitors, Alex Thomson will soon turn the turn signal to the left to reach Cape Town where his technical team awaits him.

One of the rudders of his destroyed boat, the Briton has no choice but to give up in the race he so coveted.

During the video-confession sent from the ship on Monday, the disappointment matched the ambitions of the Welshman who dreamed of finally winning after a 3rd place (2013), a 2nd place (2017) and for his 5th attempt.

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“I gave my life to this sport.

It is a very difficult pill to swallow ”

Alex thomson

"Hello everyone.

It took me a few days to get my thoughts right and be able to talk to you.

Normally I'm a positive person, but right now I feel broken.

For the past twenty years, winning this race was my goal.

I've been close by previously and this time I really thought it was possible.

I have the boat of my dreams and we carried out a campaign of which I am extremely proud.

Despite what happened last week, I still believed I could win or at least finish.

I gave my life to this sport.

It is a very difficult pill to swallow.

So many people have supported me along the way and I can tell you that picking up my phone to tell you the bad news broke my heart, ”said one Alex Thomson on the verge of tears.

“I couldn't write a page of history this time around, but I can assure you that I gave my all and did my best…” @ ATRacing99 reconsidered his withdrawal from the race video # VG2020pic.twitter.com / vqRdNd97zc

- Vendée Globe (@VendeeGlobe) November 30, 2020

“This sport and this race are so tough.

Everything can change so quickly.

But that's what makes it so beautiful.

It is a real challenge to which I have devoted a good part of my life.

The messages of support from the fans were amazing when I was really not feeling well.

There are also the messages from the skippers, the teams… Your words really touched me.

I sincerely hope that you will all be able to cross the finish line safely.

Now I have to focus on bringing this beautiful boat home.

Arrive in Cape Town safely and officially withdraw from the race.

The last thing I have to say is thank you to everyone who supported me.

To my team, thank you for your dedication and hard work.