One of the pre-race favourites Charlie Dalin, the French skipper who won the IMOCA class on the 2019 race with Yann Eliès and was first to cross the finish line of the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe has announced that he will not be able to participate in the 16th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre which starts on Sunday from Le Havre.

Dalin's Macif Santé Prévoyance team said early this afternoon that he will nevertheless cross the starting line with his teammate Pascal Bidégorry in agreement with the medical team so he can continue his qualification process for the next Vendée Globe. But Macif Santé Prévoyance will be forced to abandon the race once the starting line is crossed.

In accordance with Dalin's personal wishes and with respect for the other crews who will take the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre, no declarations or quotes will be given during the next few days.