Sailing World Cup: Matías del Solar takes a brilliant 3rd place in France

SANTIAGO.- In a historical performance, Chilean sailor Matías del Solar won the bronze medal today at the famed French Olympic Week, at the fourth annual ISAF Sailing World Cup, in which 140 athletes from 40 countries competed.

The Olympic sailor shined in the bay of Hyeres, classifying second in the Medal Race, where only the 'Top Ten' of the event participated, and climbed four spots in the general ranking, now lead by British Paul Goodison.

The Viña del Mar native, educated in the Eighth Region, was the best South American at the event; actually, he was the only regional representative who classified for the final.

"This third place at Hyeres is amongst the four top accomplishments of my life, and, excluding the world championship where I took seventh, considering the quantity and rank of the competitors, this is by far the most merit-worthy. I am happy", confessed the 33 year-old helmsman.

The Chilean, who reaped his fifth award of the season, will also receive important points in his World Ranking and 18 points for the World Cup, a circuit that brings together the seven most important tournaments in the world.