By finishing fourth in the final leg of the 57th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec between Pornichet and Le Havre, Nicolas Lunven (PRB) secured overall victory ahead of Alexis Thomas (Wings of the Ocean) and Paul Morvan (Foricher-French Touch). Paul Loiseau (Région Bretagne – CMB Espoir), the top rookie, finished just off the podium in fourth place.
This edition was one of the toughest in many years and ultimately rewarded experience. Nicolas Lunven claims his third Solitaire title, marking a remarkable comeback nine years after his last participation. Having previously won in 2009 and 2017, Lunven returned with a wealth of experience gained at the highest level of offshore racing.
Long positioned in the wake of the leaders, Lunven managed to stay in contention until the decisive final leg. The race was notable for the retirement of leader Tom Dolan (Kingspan), which opened the competition wide. Lunven expertly navigated the course’s various traps, ultimately regaining the overall lead and securing his historic third victory.
At 42 years old, Lunven confirms his status as a benchmark figure in the Figaro class, joining the exclusive club of three-time winners of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec.
The final leg featured a challenging series of situations between Brittany and the English Channel. The turning point came with Dolan’s retirement, prompting Loïs Berrehar (Banque Populaire) to take control as gaps narrowed during a demanding crossing. However, it was Paul Morvan who clinched the stage victory while Lunven secured the overall win.
With an excellent sixth-place finish, Alexis Thomas completed an outstanding campaign, finishing just over 24 minutes behind Lunven, while stage winner Morvan completed the top three.
From the start in Perros-Guirec, this 57th edition showcased remarkable competitiveness. The opening leg to Vigo saw minimal time gaps despite the tactical challenges. The second leg raised the stakes further, with frequent changes in the rankings.
Lunven remarked on the demanding conditions of the final leg, highlighting the intense efforts required throughout the race. His return to La Solitaire was driven by a desire to compete, and he expressed immense enjoyment throughout the event.
Alexis Thomas, finishing second, reflected on the challenging final leg, acknowledging the tough conditions and his respect for Lunven. He was proud of his performance, especially in such a competitive field.
Paul Morvan, who finished third, enjoyed the strong winds and competitive spirit, noting his satisfaction in maintaining a position near the front throughout the race.
Top rookie Paul Loiseau shared his excitement about achieving his goal of winning the rookie classification, expressing pride in his performance and newfound experience in offshore racing.
In conclusion, La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec 2026 was a testament to the skill and determination of its competitors, with Lunven’s victory highlighting the blend of experience and resilience required to succeed in this prestigious offshore race.
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