two days to go: jean-pierre nicol in the starting blocks...05/06/13 two days to go: jean-pierre...
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05/06/13 Two days to go: Jean-Pierre Nicol in the starting blocks
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Two days to go: Jean-Pierre Nicol in the starting blocks
Press releaseFriday, 31th May 2013 The big date on the calendar is approaching: in two days from now, Jean-Pierre Nicol willbe lining up at the start of the first leg of the Solitaire du Figaro, between Bordeaux andPorto (Portugal). For his seventh attempt at this prestigious French classic, the skipperof Bernard Controls is aiming to be at the top of the rankings. “I can’t wait to get out there on the water. I only have 48 hours left to wait!” The clock isticking and the pressure increasing: on Sunday at 1300hrs, Jean-Pierre Nicol will set off on hisseventh Solitaire du Figaro, the event on which he is staking everything this year. “In Bordeaux,the pre-start phase is rather special. Everyone can see that this is a major event. The media,family, friends, general public: there are crowds here and a great atmosphere. I love thisatmosphere, as I need that kick of adrenalin,” explained the skipper of Bernard Controls, whowill be setting sail in good shape. Which is no bad thing, as the first 536-mile leg to Porto looksquite complicated. A tricky beginning
The first hurdle is getting out of the Gironde Estuary, a zone with strong currents and with lotsof sand banks. “41 boats in this narrow space, which is not very clear on the charts... Thatcould be tricky,” warned Jean-Pierre Nicol. “I’m going to be very careful, watching out to avoidcollisions and running aground. According to the latest weather charts, a NE’ly flow is likely tomake this exit easier. The wind will be perpendicular to us and we won’t have to tack to getout of here. However, we’ll still need to watch out for local effects. There is some uncertaintyhere and it’s a bit of an adventure. But I like that, and that’s one of the reasons why I’m here“.Once out of the Estuary, the fleet will have to tackle the Bay of Biscay in moderate downwindconditions with the sun out. Then, the wind is likely to strengthen, probably as they approachCape Finisterre, where it could reach 35-40 knots. “I’m expecting see some rough conditions inthis area, which is never that simple. We will then have to deal with the final stretch in verylight winds, which may see the gaps widen considerably. The end of this leg will therefore be aquestion of strategy and potentially decisive for the rankings of this first act, and maybe eventhe whole Solitaire, because the result of the first leg is bound to affect the rest of the race.” “Accomplishing four good performances”
That is why it is so important to settle quickly into the rhythm. To do that, Jean-Pierre has beenworking on his preparation and the final 48 hours ashore will be no exception to the rule. Sport,
nutritious food, relaxation and naps to get used to the short periods of sleep on board… He isdoing his utmost to ensure he lines up in the best of shape. “I’m managing my time muchbetter, as everything is planned and I shal be setting off feeling much calmer than in previousyears. I have therefore raised my sights. I am looking forward to a more consistentperformance and one that is better in every area. My goal: accomplishing four goodperformances, and not just pulling off one or two good results, as I have done in previousyears. That entails better management of my weaknesses and strengths. Let’s not forget thatthe Solitaire is a race based on overall time: so you can never ease off, even if you are infront,” explained Jean-Pierre Nicol. The very high standard of the line-up for the 44th edition ofthe Solitaire, with six previous winners and lots of other excellent racers, does not worry him inany case. “The standard is very high throughout and it’s going to be very close. But if I sailwell, I will be up there with my rivals.”
About BERNARD CONTROLS :
BERNARD CONTROLS designs and manufactures electrical actuators and other controltechnologies. The firm is one of the world leaders in the market for automated industrial valves
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Jean-Pierre Nicol -
Bernard Controls© A. Courcoux /
Bernard Controls (5425ko)
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Jean-Pierre Nicol -
Bernard Controls© JM Liot / Bernard
Controls (2677ko)
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Jean-Pierre Nicol -Bernard Controls© A. Courcoux /
Bernard Controls (4488ko)
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05/06/13 Two days to go: Jean-Pierre Nicol in the starting blocks
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technologies. The firm is one of the world leaders in the market for automated industrial valvesand dampers. BERNARD CONTROLS has a large international network with 9 subsidiaries in Asia(China, South Korea, Singapore), in Europe (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy) and in theUnited States; with regional offices in Dubai and Moscow; as well as more than 50 distributorsaround the world. Leader in the nuclear industry, BERNARD CONTROLS is also the preferredpartner for demanding sectors such as Energy, Water, Industry and the Oil and Gas sector.
For the latest news about Jean-Pierre Nicol: www.jpnicol.com and
www.bernardcontrols.com
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Media contacts
Press contact Bernard ControlsAlexandra FontaineT. +33 1 34 07 71 00
Press contact Jean-Pierre NicolAurélie FeuvrierT. +33 6 23 04 43 18
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