Jean-Pierre Dick: Still racing in the Vendée Globe, the Nice skipper can still aspire to the final victory despite the breakage of his rudder last week, which caused him a significant delay. A sailor with a big heart, he is one of those who don’t forget others when they encounter major problems on their boat. Recently, he highlighted the unfairness of the technical issue that affected Loick Peyron, destroying in seconds the long work of an entire team. However, for the Nice skipper, 2008 was also especially marked by a victory in the Barcelona World Race, a sort of rehearsal for the Vendée Globe, but in pairs rather than solo, which took place between the end of last year and the beginning of this one. 2009 could be the year of consecration for this former veterinarian if he manages to regain the lead and win the Vendée Globe.
More information on Jean-Pierre Dick
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Frédéric Antonetti: If we had to describe the coach of OGC Nice in one word, it would be perfectionist. Heading the red and blacks for the fourth consecutive season, he always demands more from his players. Because he has one goal in mind: to progress, whether it be in the rankings or in the level of his men themselves. A Corsican with a strong character, he has managed to be embraced by the Nice public, who now consider him one of their own. If he never hesitates to say what he thinks, it is for the good of football and because he hates injustice. Thus, when he criticizes refereeing or the evolution of the sport he is passionate about, he is often accused of saying too much and getting too carried away. This passion, which offers Frédéric Antonetti his freedom, has allowed OGC Nice to climb to the eighth position in the rankings for the second time in three years, and has propelled the Riviera coach to third place in the election of the best French coach, behind Arsène Wenger and Laurent Blanc. There is no doubt that 2009 will also be a great year for the former coach of Japan’s Gamba Osaka if he continues to support the Gym as he has since 2005.
More information on Frédéric Antonetti
