Orion Harriers Nick Shasha travelled to Holland to compete for Great Britain in the 2012 European Sprint duathlon championships and returned with his best ever continental finish and a silver medal.

The Walthamstow athlete elected to compete in the 5k run, 20k bike and 2.8k run distance. He began well on his initial stage and by the time he reached his transition, Shasha was placed in fourth spot overall.

On the bike he continued to perform well and held off those behind him for the opening lap.

However, after tiring slightly on the second Shasha fell back through the field but still felt capable of making up time in the final run.

Coming into the final changeover a mix up nearly ended his race. After following to two riders into the wrong transition zone, Shasha had to quickly to readjust to keep his hopes alive.

Fortunately he remedied the mistake faster than the two riders but still lost three places as he entered the final run.

In the final stage Shasha was hunting down three competitors from Germany, Holland and Ireland respectively.

Despite suffering from cramp early into the run, he regained his composure and continued to chase down the three athletes.

Shasha eventually managed to get past the three runners ahead and that meant he secured silver medal in the 35-39 age group and sixth overall.

Both results represent his best finishes in a continental championship and he will now training ahead of the World championships in Nancy, France in September.