In the world of sports, mascots have always played a key role. They embody the spirit of an event, evoke emotion, and make competitions more human. Tymal , the mascot of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe , fits perfectly into this tradition, but with a clearly stated ambition: to become a character in its own right, a companion on the journey that connects the public to the event villages and also to the transatlantic adventure.
The idea is simple: to create an accessible, warm figure deeply rooted in the imagination of the race. A slightly clumsy, emotional, positive and very endearing bird, inviting young and old to dive into the excitement and magic of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe.
This character was designed to convey messages, particularly to younger audiences. With his childlike demeanor and gentle humor, Tymal immediately wins people over. This emotional connection becomes a powerful tool for transmitting the event's sustainable values: respect for the environment, inclusion, and exploring new regions. Tymal will thus become the gateway to sometimes abstract topics, making them fun and accessible.
On the ground, his role extends far beyond simply providing entertainment. Tymal is envisioned as a true ambassador, capable of traveling throughout the region before the race, meeting with school groups, and participating in local initiatives. In the villages along the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe, he embodies the festive, warm, and family-friendly atmosphere. He brings life to the docks, participates in key moments, and reinforces the popular celebration that has made the event so renowned.
This universe is not limited to the physical event; it will permeate the digital ecosystem of the event where it will become a guide for visitors: presence on the website and all digital channels, educational content, etc. The objective is clear: to streamline the journey, help the public find their way, support the public in raising awareness of sustainable themes and amplify the immersive and festive dimension of the event.
Through this strategy, Tymal fully embraces a unifying role. He connects the event with its visitors, the competition with the celebration, and the emotion with the educational aspect. His popularity is not simply a mascot effect, but a tool serving a broader vision: to make the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe ever more vibrant, communicative, inclusive, and mindful of its impact.
Tymal is therefore not just a character. He is the figure who welcomes, entertains, enlightens, and unites. A kind of conduit of emotions and values, accompanying young and old from the quays of Saint-Malo to the sun-drenched lands of Guadeloupe. Focus:
Who is Tymal? 🔍
I am an iconic bird! The magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) embodies the journey between the Antilles and the corsair city, as I am one of the first birds sailors see upon arriving in Guadeloupe. I am nicknamed the pirate of the seas because of my technique for stealing food from other birds.
Name: Timal means "little guy" or "buddy" in the Antilles. The name was personalized in Breton, with a "y" referring to "Ty," which means "house (the building)" and evokes the race's territory of origin. Thus, Tymal is at home, both in Brittany and Guadeloupe, creating a true bridge between territories and cultures.
I embody:
The bird has always been a universal symbol of freedom and travel. It also represents vigilance and benevolence, an invisible companion of skippers, an observer of fleets, a witness to the emotions of the race.