Injured, Yoann Richomme gives way to Martin Le Pape
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
Following an injury sustained during the BPGO Trophy, the Paprec skipper has been forced to withdraw from the next edition of La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. Team Paprec has entrusted the helm of their Figaro to Martin Le Pape, who has been sailing alongside Yoann at the start of this season.
True to his tenacity and selflessness, Yoann Richomme had long hoped to be able to start the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, the first leg of which will set sail from Perros-Guirec next Sunday, May 17th. Having suffered a collision during his last race – the BPGO Trophy in early April – the sailor had three broken ribs. Confident in his ability to recover and driven by an iron will, Yoann remained optimistic about the possibility of a smooth participation in the major event of his season. It was only during his final training sessions at the end of last week that reality finally dawned on the two-time winner of the race, who knows the demands of the format: his fitness and the improvements in his physical condition are still insufficient to sail safely.
“ A multi-stage race like the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec demands constant vigilance and continuous adjustments, often at an unsustainable pace,” he points out. “ Given the still incomplete healing of my fractures, it would be unreasonable and even dangerous for me to commit to such a high level of competition. ”
In consultation with Sébastien Petithuguenin, General Manager of the Paprec Group and Team Paprec, it was agreed to prioritize his health and adhere to a recovery program necessary for the continuation of Yoann's sporting project.
Martin Le Pape, Yoann's co-skipper, takes over
To ensure continuity at the start of the season, Team Paprec has chosen to entrust the helm of the Figaro Paprec to Martin Le Pape, Yoann's co-skipper in the preparatory races. A seasoned expert on the Figaro circuit and familiar with the environment, know-how, and ambitions of the Team, this experienced sailor possesses all the qualities to meet the challenge. Martin has over ten years of experience in the class, having finished 6th in the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. The transition between these two sailors, who have a good working relationship, is therefore perfectly aligned with the team's sporting ambitions.
The Team alongside Yoann and Martin
Martin Le Pape will participate in the delivery trip from Lorient to Perros-Guirec, where all participants are expected this Wednesday, before the start next Sunday. Throughout the competition, Yoann Richomme will remain alongside Martin and the team. Meanwhile, all members of the Team will help Yoann return in top condition for his upcoming sporting commitments, including the launch of the new IMOCA Paprec in a few months. Until then, the team wishes Martin Le Pape the very best in Paprec's colors during this iconic offshore race.
THEY SAID
Yoann Richomme:
“ I was hopeful I’d be recovered before the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, but it wasn’t sustainable. When I get up, when I go to bed, when I’m at the wheel, it’s very painful. Unfortunately, it takes time before I can resume physical activity. Naturally, there’s disappointment: I now realize even more how motivated I was to compete in this race.”
What pleases me most, despite everything, is having a very good replacement. After consulting with Paprec and the team, we offered Martin Le Pape the opportunity to replace me. I'm very happy that Martin accepted this challenge. He's constantly improving in the class, and I found him very effective and efficient when we were partners. Like the entire team, I'll be at his service to ensure he's in the best possible position. And I'm convinced he's capable of achieving a very good result .
Martin Le Pape:
“ My first thought is for Yoann. I’m really disappointed for him; we worked well together, and I know he had everything he needed to shine and have a great Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. Secondly, I was very flattered that the Paprec Group and Team Paprec considered me to take over. It’s a fantastic team that I know will do everything to put me in the best possible position to compete in this race. I haven’t done a solo race since the Solo Guy Cotten a year ago, and naturally, I haven’t had optimal preparation. But I’m going to do everything I can to give my best and seize this opportunity to live up to the trust they’ve placed in me. I’m lucky to be part of this team where I know the people I work with, and I’ll do everything I can to live up to expectations. ”
Romain Ménard, director of Team Paprec:
“ We sometimes forget that top-level sport demands perfect physical condition. We know that this type of injury makes it impossible to be ambitious in races as demanding and difficult as the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. We thought there was enough time after Yoann's injury at the BPGO Trophy. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I commend Yoann's responsible and far-sighted decision, which allowed us to consider this Plan B.”
Martin has had the opportunity to work with the entire team these past few weeks and knows the boat perfectly. He's a highly talented skipper who ticks all the boxes. Yoann and the whole team will do everything they can to support him in this challenge.
Since the start of this adventure in 2021, we have always finished our races, and the Team's strength lies in our ability to overcome challenges and regroup. I know that Yoann will be Martin's number one supporter during this Solitaire du Figaro Paprec !
Sébastien Petithuguenin, CEO of the Paprec Group:
“ It’s obviously disappointing not to see our skipper at the start of this edition of the Solitaire du Figaro Paprec. Yoann is a phenomenal sailor, a two-time winner of the race (in 2016 and 2019), and we know how much this race means to him. Unfortunately, his rib injury prevents him from being on the starting line. But his priority remains, above all, his overall sporting program and the balance of his Vendée Globe 2028 project.”
In this context, it seemed natural to entrust Martin Le Pape with the task of taking up the mantle under the Paprec banner. Martin fully committed himself to supporting Yoann's rapid return to top form in his class. It's only fair that he now benefits from the opportunity created by Yoann's withdrawal.
The Solitaire du Figaro Paprec is an exceptional human adventure, a school of discipline and pushing oneself to the limit. We are convinced that Martin will proudly represent Paprec's values in this legendary race, with great talent and determination. And of course, Yoann will remain fully involved with the team to support this transition .
