The Spanish campaign only announced its sponsor, the Spanish insurance company Mapfre, on 25 October. The race was also announced very late, at the beginning of September, after negotiations about a co-operation with New Zealand failed. For team manager Pedro Campos, this is his fifth participation in a row. The multinational crew surprisingly includes France's sailing idol Michel Desjoyeaux, the Vendée Globe winner and four-time starter in the Volvo Ocean Race.
The team
It will be the first Volvo Ocean Race for four crew members, and the yachts were only taken over in mid-June. Both of these factors militate against them being favourites. The extremely short preparation for a race in which teamwork will be crucial is certainly not ideal. On the other hand, there is the immense experience of the leading figures. All in all, a difficult opponent to assess.
The skipper
Iker Martinez, although only 37 years old, is competing for the fourth time. He was skipper in the previous race and co-skipper before that. He won Olympic gold in the 49er with Xabi Fernandez off Athens in 2004 and is preparing to compete again in the Nacra 17 at the Rio Games in 2016.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
