Jérémie Beyou has withdrawn from the 2026 Route du Rhum after medical concerns forced the IMOCA skipper to retire while running in second place. The decision came on Tuesday afternoon, approximately 500 miles north of the Azores, following consultations with the race doctor and Race Management.
Beyou, competing aboard Charal 2, was well positioned in the IMOCA fleet when his health condition made it impossible to continue sailing under racing conditions. He is now making his way towards the Azores.
The Charal Sailing Team confirmed it remains in close contact with Beyou and the race teams ashore. Further information regarding his condition and next steps will be communicated at a later date.
Meanwhile, former Route du Rhum winner Thomas Ruyant has been closely following the dramatic twists and turns of this edition. Ruyant, who claimed victory in the IMOCA Class four years ago at the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, praised Corentin Horeau for what he described as a masterly race so far. Ruyant admitted he has been glued to his Tracker since the fleet departed, captivated by the unfolding battle at the front of the fleet.
