Flying start for Thomson

SAILING legend Alex Thomson's bid for round-the-world glory has got off to a flying start, with the solo skipper crossing the line in pole position yesterday.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Nov 2016, 06:00 GMT

Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:30 GMT

The start of the Vendee Globe, in Les Sables d'Olonne, France Picture: Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Vendee Globe

The Gosport sportsman took the position overnight during the opening exchange of the Vendee Globe race, triumphantly sailing into the top spot as he reached the Bay of Biscay.

Nicknamed the ‘Everest of sailing’, this year’s gruelling race launched on Sunday.

It will see competitors averaging 25,000 nautical miles, solo around the world.

Of the 138 starters in the race’s 27-year history, only 71 have finished the route while three have died.

Alex, 42, finished third in Vendee Globe in 2013, completing the race in 80 days.

Gosport