A tough start for Ambrogio Beccaria and the Allagrande Mapei Racing Team
by Allagrande Mapei Racing Team 11 Aug 13:45 PDT
10 August 2025
Allagrande Mapei Racing team - The Ocean Race Europe in Kiel, Germany © Lorenzo Sironi
An incident at the start for Ambrogio Beccaria and the crew of Allagrande Mapei during the first leg of The Ocean Race Europe (TORE). Barely two minutes after the starting gun, the IMOCA Allagrande Mapei and Holcim-PRB collided. No injuries were reported, but both boats immediately returned to port for damage assessment.
Although forced to withdraw from this first leg (Kiel-Portsmouth), the team is exploring every possibility to be on the start line for the second leg (Portsmouth-Cartagena), scheduled for August 17 at 16:55.
"It's a mix of disappointment and pride," says Ambrogio Beccaria, 33, skippering the IMOCA 60 Allagrande Mapei for the first time - "Disappointment, of course, at the thought of having to withdraw so early. But also immense pride in the way the team reacted immediately, throwing themselves into work with incredible energy. We're all relieved that no one was injured, either on board or among our competitors. Our goal is now clear: do everything possible to be on the start line for the next leg. But we remain cautious: we still have to wait for the inspection results to know whether we can continue or if our race ends here."
Exemplary maritime solidarity
The legendary solidarity of seafarers quickly came into play. The Allagrande Mapei team received support from all the other crews as well as from The Ocean Race organization. Once the initial shock had passed, everyone returned to their posts and responsibilities.
With the support of TR Racing, the team organized as follows: Ambrogio Beccaria focused on sporting aspects, Thomas Ruyant studied different scenarios to reach Portsmouth in time for the second leg's start, Morgan Lagravière and Manon Peyre assisted the technical team with sail repairs, while the rest of the shore crew concentrated on structural repairs. Meanwhile, the logistics cell has been working to source and deliver the necessary materials for the repairs.
Repairs under way
On board, the damage is extensive. The entire starboard shroud system that supports the mast is severely damaged. These cables can be replaced thanks to the solidarity of the Paprec Arkéa team, which is supplying the D0 outrigger stay.
We are also able to replace the outrigger, provided by TR Racing's other boat, Advens 1, thanks to the generosity of founder and CEO Alexandre Fayeulle. These highly sophisticated carbon parts left Lorient this morning and are expected to arrive in Kiel tomorrow afternoon.
The outrigger D0 chainplate, however, requires further inspection to assess the damage. This is one of the boat's critical load points, where forces exceed 30 tonnes; the structural integrity of this area is vital for the mast and the boat. Damage assessment is ongoing, evolving hour by hour, with ultrasound analysis, inspections, and checks carried out alongside the boat's designer, Antoine Koch.
The sails hoisted at the time of the collision were both damaged: the J0 (headsail) was destroyed upon impact with Holcim's outrigger and is beyond repair, and must be replaced; the mainsail, which had a large tear, has already been repaired by the team in record time.
Formal protests have been put forward by both Team Holcim-PRB and Allagrande MAPEI Racing. These cases will be investigated and evaluated by an International Jury at a time yet to be determined. We will continue to update you as soon as we have more news.