Dominant performance

Armel Le Cléac’h on Banque Populaire has lifted the trophy for the overall title in the 51st La Solitaire du Figaro. It is Le Cléach’s third time winning after successes in 2003 and 2010.

Twice overall winner Le Cléac’h was on typically predatory form during the “bloodbath of Belle Isle”. He stayed focused and threaded his way through the islands to take fourth. With 1 hour 2 minutes and 57 seconds in hand over Duthil before the start, when Le Cléac’h crossed the line at 18:37:57 hours, he retained the top spot on the General Classification by 10 minutes and 43 seconds over Duthil.

With the fourth leg cancelled before starting on Saturday night due to the complete absence of wind, Le Cléac’h’s winning margin was enough to beat out Fred Duthil (Techniques Voiles/Cabinet Bourhis Generali), who took second after winning the third stage.

Third overall is young French ace Tom Laperche (Bretagne CMB Espoir). At just 23 years old, Laperche is on just his second ever La Solitaire after debuting in 11th last year.