Pressed into action for a rare Sunday assignment, Team OPT delivered as the Tahitian outrigger canoe paddling squad that races under the banner of its country’s post office pulled off a Molokai Hoe upset worthy of an “Express” stamp.

Team OPT, representing the Office of Posts and Telecommunications of French Polynesia, upset heavily favored, three-time defending Molokai Hoe champion Shell Va‘a amid sweltering conditions early Sunday afternoon to claim its first Molokai Hoe World Championship presented by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

“We want to win all the big races,” said Team OPT paddler Temoana Taputu moments after helping his squad capture the Molokai Hoe title.

Team OPT crossed the finish line in 4 hours, 42 minutes and 2 seconds to best Shell Va‘a (4:44:57) by nearly three minute

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