Golding gets a rude awakening having taken the lead

BRITISH sailor Mike Golding believes the gods are conspiring against him after torrential weather ruin his chances of Vendee Globe glory just hours after taking the lead.

The 48-year-old former fireman had just edged in front of Frenchman Jean-Pierre Dick in his Ecover 3 Yacht in the round-the-world race only for his mast to break - ending his dreams of victory.

Golding, who finished seventh in 2001 despite another dismasting and third in 2005, was considered Britain's best hope of victory in the 27,000-mile non-stop race.

And Golding, who was left stranded 940 miles southwest of Perth, Australia due to winds of 55 knots, admitted his heart-break as lightning struck twice for the Southampton sailor.

"The whole rig is down, there is not even a stump left. I am gutted but there is not much I can do about it" said Golding.

""It basically went from being a near gale to a hurricane and the mast didn't like it.

"Once everything had settled down a bit, I went back out and the mast was lying across the deck and was acting as an anchor.

"When things stopped moving about dramatically, I set about cutting off the rig.

"But whatever I do, I will only be able to reach and will not be able to go up or downwind.

It is difficult to describe. It is such a cruel race. I just don't know how I am feeling. It was all like a bit of a dream.

The race began which began November 9 with 30 yachts is now led by Michel Desjoyeaux of France - who won the annual race in 2001 - ahead of Dame Ellen MacArthur who was second.