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!