Frenchman Armel Le Cleac'h has broken a record in winning sailing's Vendee Globe race.
He has completed the solo round-the-world event in a provisional time of 74 days, three hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds.
ðŸArmel Le Cléac'h gagne cette 8ème édition du Vendée Globe ac un nveau tps de référence : 74j 3h 35min et 46sec ! @VoileBanquePop #VG2016 pic.twitter.com/GZFipD43Zx
— Vendée Globe (@VendeeGlobe) January 19, 2017
An emotional Le Cleac'h spoke of how he had to battle for victory over the 74 days and also paid tribute to "formidable competitor" Alex Thomson.
Britain's Thomson is expected to clinch second place.
The Welshman himself set a new world record for the furthest distance travelled in a 24-hour time period on Monday as he chased the leader.
🎥 @AlexThomson99 reacts to the record he broke earlier today ! @HUGOBOSS @ATRacing99 #VG2016 pic.twitter.com/oH4v0z4I3K
— Vendée Globe (@VendeeGlobe) January 16, 2017
Enda O’Coineen was the sole Irish challenger on yacht, Kilcullen Voyager.
The 60 year old Galway man saw his mast break on New Year's Day, which required his boat to be towed to safety from the southern ocean.
However, he had vowed to continue to the finish line regardless of exiting the race.
The overall leaderboard during the closing stages:
Classement officiel de 15h Vendée Globe https://t.co/8jUyTzR57l #Icewatchtimerofficiel #VG2016 pic.twitter.com/CRBnjdjHVO
— Vendée Globe (@VendeeGlobe) January 19, 2017
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