21 Sep Tom Dolan Withdraws from Final Leg of Solitaire du Figaro Due to Injury
Reigning Solitaire du Figaro Paprec champion Tom Dolan confirmed this morning that he will withdraw from the third and final leg of the solo offshore race due to an injury sustained early in Leg One.
Dolan, who was aiming to defend his historic title this year, injured his arm just one hour into the opening stage. Despite the early setback, he fought through the pain to finish the leg in sixth, earning the Suzuki Fighting Spirit Award for his impressive comeback from 20th position.
Following medical advice, Dolan and his team chose to continue into Leg Two, managing the pain with medication. However, as the race progressed, the injury worsened and showed no signs of healing. Combined with the side effects of the painkillers, which were beginning to compromise his ability to sail safely, it became clear that continuing the campaign would hold serious risk.
With heavy conditions forecast for the start of Leg Three, Dolan in consultation with his medical team has taken the decision to withdraw from the race in the interest of his own safety and that of his fellow competitors.
“The pain was a lot worse in the second leg than the first and given the conditions forecast at Cap Finistère, I am just not capable of going around it. It would be pure suffering,” said Dolan.
“I’d like to thank my sponsors, Kingspan, Quinta do Lago, and FL Partners for their unwavering support, and the entire team who get me to the start line fully prepared each time,” he continued.
“Solo sailing is a team effort. We’re all out here trying to do justice to the efforts of the people behind us. I’m disappointed to miss this final leg, but I know I gave it everything. I respect my competitors enormously, we win and lose based on the decisions we make. And if I can’t make safe, intelligent decisions on the racecourse, the only intelligent decision is to stay ashore.”
Though this campaign ends early, Dolan now shifts his focus to recovery, with his sights set firmly on coming back stronger.
