For my 2nd french duathlon race in Chateauroux I was less nervous and a bit more controlled. I started off my 1st run at the front again and felt really comfortable. I forced myself to slow down a bit half way through as last week I think I suffered a bit at the beginning of the bike. I came out of transition just behind a pack and just couldn't catch up to them. I worked with another girl for a bit and we slowly started to catch them. Then I made a mistake going around a corner and lost touch! I then got caught by a big pack and just sat in with them. It was a great experience as I've never cycled in such a big group. It was a bit scary in places too.

I then had a really strong 2nd run and finished 12th. Really pleased as it was an improvement on last week. I was also 2nd in for our club which was a good feeling. I just hope they ask me to come back for the next race in June.

I had a really good time during my week in France. A big thanks to Raphael and his family for looking after me and also to Raphael for the use of his bike. Everyone from the club was really friendly and I promise I will learn some french for next time when I come out!!

I've just done my first race for my French club Cesson Sevigne. It was in Jard Sur Mer - a sprint distance elite/draft legal duathlon. I was really nervous at the start as I didn't know what to expect. Some of the girls are amongst the best in Europe - including Alexandra Louison from our club who came 2nd in the Elite European champs last year!

On the first run I was near the front coming in about 20s behind into transition. I cycled with 2 girls for a bit but when I wouldn't take it on they said something in French and suddenly accelerated! It was a very technical course (which is a weakness for me at the moment) and I couldn't get back up to them. I had a good second run and finished in 16th. Cesson Sevigne finished in first place for the team and I got a 2nd place price as an individual.

It was a great experience and a pleasing result for my first race at this level. I just hope I can do better at next week's race in Chateauroux!