Puma hold off Telefónica

Puma held firm in the face of a relentless attack from Telefónica to clinch an epic leg five victory in the Volvo Round The World Race yesterday, crossing the finish line in Itajaí, Brazil with a winning margin of just 12 minutes after the Spanish team had threatened to complete one of the great sporting comebacks.

Telefónica, who were 400 nautical miles behind the leaders following a pit stop, had been a constant threat to them over the 7,500 nautical miles of racing from Auckland.

Puma are now just 34 points behind leaders Telefónica, while Groupama will reduce the Telefónica lead to 20 points if they complete the leg in third place under jury rig.