- Sir Ben Ainslie has already won with America and is targeting glory once again
- Ineos Britannia take on Emirates Team New Zealand in the best-of-13 series
- Ainslie believes his British crew will be underdogs when it begins on Saturday
Ben Ainslie believes his British crew will be underdogs when their attempt to end 173 years of America’s Cup hurt starts off the coast of Barcelona on Saturday.
History is weighted against four-time Olympic champion Ainslie when Ineos Britannia take on Emirates Team New Zealand in the best-of-13 match series across the next 10 days.
If there is a doubt around the Kiwis, who are pursuing a third straight victory, it concerns their racing shape after not competing for a month.
That could serve as an advantage for the Brits and Ainslie sought to shift pressure on to his rivals, saying: ‘We are against incredible defenders.
‘We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Britain is a very proud sporting country with a great maritime history. The cup is the one thing that is missing.’
Sir Ben Ainslie’s British crew are attempting to end 173 years of America’s Cup hurt
The British bid has received more than £250million from Sir Jim Ratcliffe since 2018
The British bid has received more than £250million from Sir Jim Ratcliffe since 2018 and Ainslie confirmed Manchester United’s co-owner has not yet confirmed if he will continue.
He added: ‘They’ve given us huge support. They haven’t made any commitments to the future, but we’re continuing. This is just the start of a great future for the team.’
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