Sailor aims to win Route du Rhum 2026

Armel Le Cléac'h, a 49-year-old Breton sailor, has started the Route du Rhum 2026, a prestigious sailing race he has competed in multiple times but never won. He has achieved 39 podium finishes, including one in the Vendée Globe, a solo round-the-world race.

Rigorous training for the race

Le Cléac'h trained extensively for the race, dedicating eight hours per week to custom exercises designed by his coach, Ronan Martin. His training included precise power measurements in watts for each maneuver, provided by an engineer, to optimize his performance on the water.

High-calorie diet for endurance

To maintain his physical condition, Le Cléac'h consumes approximately 4500 kilocalories per day, nearly double his usual intake on land. His meals, prepared by sports nutritionist Virginie Rouxel Auffret, include dishes like Bolognese sauce and veal blanquette, along with jams, dried fruits, and candies to sustain energy and morale during the race.

Limited sleep and recovery

Despite the intense physical demands, Le Cléac'h will only get two to five hours of sleep per day. He emphasizes the importance of recovery and warns that insufficient sleep can lead to a loss of lucidity, which can be dangerous during the race.

Medical preparedness for emergencies

In preparation for potential emergencies, Le Cléac'h is trained in medical procedures and carries a first-aid kit containing items such as a scalpel, surgical knife, and a medical stapler. His goal is to complete the 6,500-kilometer journey to Guadeloupe and finally achieve the victory that has eluded him in previous editions of the Route du Rhum.