FORMER Guisborough student Catherine Hare experienced the highs and lows in the European Junior Duathlon Championships held in Portugal earlier this month.

The utter dejection of disqualification in the individual event was followed by the joy of a gold medal as part of the British relay team.

The 19-year-old multi-sports star from Loftus was on course for a medal in the individual event when course officials red-carded her for illegally 'draughting' during the cycle discipline of the competition.

The former Prior Pursglove college student had completed an excellent 5k run and went into the transition area to pick up her bike. But she encountered difficulties when one of the race shoes clipped to the bike dislodged.

On the second of her five laps, she was overtaken by a group of junior men. Team manager Dave Bellingham shouted for her to draught behind the group to try to save some energy.

The Cleveland Triathlete Club member was disqualified, but was allowed to complete the race and then lodge an appeal. She finished in the bronze medal position, but her appeal was unsuccessful.

The Loughborough University student overcame her disappointment and two days later she helped the British relay team to a gold medal.