The 87th Bol d’Or du Léman set sail amid a flurry of suspense and anticipation. Only after 11 hours and 48 minutes of fierce racing, Bertrand Demole’s team, Ylliam XII - Comptoir Immobilier, emerged ahead, graciously slicing through the finish line first. It was a feat worth celebratory fireworks and jubilation; however, instead, the air was thick with controversy.

Ylliam XII had been disqualified for changing its crew past the registration deadline. The team was left amidst uncertainty till the later morning, a technical error in the disqualification process found by the Jury led them to overturn the decision.

This abnormal blip in proceedings allowed Marco Favale’s X-Wing to steal the limelight, quite unknowingly, for one tantalising moment. They savoured the victory champagne and basked in the celebratory spotlight adorning the main stage, oblivious to the impending turn of events.