Vendee Globe - Without Fear And Beyond Reproach
Wednesday, November 03, 2004 - 10:44 AM

Harder than steel! Alex Thomson is a raw diamond. At 30, his numerous Transats and his round the world have not yet refined him. His power and instinct are an overriding factor and his spirit is impressive. His talent is unquestioned and his professional course is faultless. Should Alex Thomson be feared? Without doubt, as he is a man equipped with a strong sense of humour and a piercing intelligence.

How did you get to this stage where you are lining up for the start of the Vendée Globe? The Vendée Globe is a race that I’ve wanted to contend for 4 years. We have been preparing the boat technically for a year, and we have worked hard to find our budget. Three months ago, we found Hugo Boss, which has enabled us to get here in very good conditions. How have you been preparing? My preparation began last year with the Transat Jacques Vabre, double-handed with Bilou. He showed me how to sail the boat fast and well. He's someone who is very funny and we had a ball. I also raced back from Brazil in the Défi Atlantique where I established the world record for the greatest distance covered in 24 hours, and I finished 3rd. In the past three months, we have spent more time tracking down the money rather than preparing ourselves. As a result I’m not as ready as I’d like. Why the Vendée Globe? It’s the most important race, the hardest in the world. Even compared to other sports. I can’t imagine anything more difficult. And that’s why I’m doing it. Are you following a particular training programme? I’ve been training hard for three months. I’m doing weight training and I hate it, it’s a real punishment. I like squash though. I’m working with a dietician and I also have a sports psychologist who confirmed that I was indeed completely crazy (laughs). I’ve worked on my sleeping patterns. I find it difficult to discipline myself about questions of food and sleep. I began to sleep for periods of 30 minutes every 4 hours...that makes the nights long and I just want to get going. Are you heading out to win? I have a superb boat, a fantastic team and a good budget. It’s all down to me now. Do you still have apprehensions? My only fear is hitting an iceberg. With Bilou, I’ve already experienced 65 knots of wind. On the “Challenge”, I had 45 knots of wind and I was making an average of 22 knots. The boat goes well in the breeze and I feel very at ease there. Solely the idea of hitting an iceberg frightens me. What do you think of the line-up? Part of my personal preparation is not to place anyone above me. The race will be very tight, more than it has ever been. There are 8 or 9 skippers capable of winning, like my friend Bilou, Le Cam, Dick, Riou, Thiercelin, Moloney... Your recipe for winning? Discipline, and pushing the boat without exceeding the limits. I love pushing the boat as hard as it will go. The boats will be very close, so it’s going to be a game to be played from up front. What do you think of the public welcome? I was here four years ago and I saw the public’s enthusiasm. No transat can compare with the Vendée Globe. The public is omnipresent, in the rain and the cold. The atmosphere is astonishing. No nautical event can compare to the Vendée Globe, not even the America’s Cup or the Volvo Race.