British Sailing's Olympic manager Stephen Park reflects on successful outing in Hyeres, while Great Britain women make it two wins from two against Japan. Here's our review of the last 24 hours.
British Sailing's Olympic manager declared himself happy with a four-medal return from the new-look ISAF Sailing World Cup in Hyeres.
World champion Giles Scott claimed gold in the Finn class, with team-mate Ed Wright taking bronze while Nick Thompson took Laser silver and Luke Patience and Elliot Willis claimed 470 bronze.
But Stephen Park insisted there was still plenty to work on.
“It’s great we were competing for medals in five classes coming into the last day, although it’s slightly disappointing that we didn’t manage to improve our standings in the medal races," he said.
"Downwind speed in a number of classes was not as good as we’ve been accustomed to and I’m sure will be a focus in the training period in the run up to the next World Cup in Weymouth and Portland.
“While a number of our sailors will be disappointed, competition has been high across the nations, and any slip-up, error, or illness will impact heavily on the final result.
“However we’ve come away with a reasonable medal count in line with our pre-event expectations. Everyone knows there’s still plenty of work to do ahead of the big events later in the season and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Head coach Danny Kerry was delighted with his side’s application after they ended with a flourish to see off Japan 5-1 at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Two goals up at half-time thanks to Alex Danson and Laura Unsworth goals, Great Britain were pegged back in the 49th minute following Akiko Kato's strike.
But three goals in four minutes from Helen Richardson-Walsh, Sophie Bray and a second for Danson ensured it was two wins from two against Japan as Great Britain step up their preparations for June’s World League Semi-Finals.
“It’s good to get into the mindset of bringing your best game to every moment of the match so these types of series are ideal for us,” said Kerry.
“Japan are a very disciplined side, strong in defence and pose good counterattacking threats. It’s about concentrating for the whole game and it was perfect for us.
Mark Cavendish retained the leader's jersey at the Tour of Turkey after winning his second successive sprint finish in Antalya.
The Manx rider, who also won the previous day's opening stage, beat Italian Sacha Modolo on the 182km leg for his eighth victory of the season and 127th professional win.
Cavendish leads Modolo and fellow Italian Nicola Ruffoni in the eight-stage race, which concludes on May 3.
British number one Heather Watson was beaten in the first round of the Prague Open by Slovenian Polona Hercog.
In a match that lasted more than three hours, Watson went down 7-5 3-6 7-6 (7-5) to the world number 72 Hercog.
© Sportsbeat 2015