Most of the British team have now arrived in Jesenik, Czech Republic, where everyone is excited about the upcoming European Championships competitions writes Jo Shepherd and Kirstin Maxwell.

                                                         

The races kick off tomorrow with the mixed sprint relay, so today was a chance to test the model areas and settle into our accommodation.

Jo, Cat and Ralph went off to check out the long distance model area, which had some steep slopes and leafy underfoot conditions. The model area was very close to the arena for the long distance race, so was a great chance to sample what the terrain will be like and practise some specific techniques such as for tricky diagonal downhill legs.

Those running the sprint race enjoyed a relaxing morning run and then went to the sprint and sprint relay technical model event in Jesenik.

The sprint relay team line-up for tomorrow's race will be Charlotte Ward on 1st leg, Peter Hodkinson on 2nd leg, Kris Jones on 3rd leg and Jo Shepherd on final leg. Charlotte will be racing the first leg of the sprint relay for the first time and said she is really excited to be racing at the European Championships for the first time.

Everyone is in high spirits and looking forward to the week's races.

Photo: Ralph Street admiring the map wall