On the 9^th April the Molesey Junior Squad began their journey to Nantes for training camp with the challenging task of setting those alarms and arriving at Gatwick airport for 5:30am. The first of many early mornings to come, followed by long outings along the beautiful River Erdre. Once the squad and their onesies had bordered the plane in high spirits, minus Ant who wasn’t the most comfortable with flying, we were on our way!

We arrive in Nantes to the shouts of “Yeah Molesey!” as Olivier welcomes us and manages to direct our junior horde via tram, to Nantes Rowing Club for a quick rigging of boats and our first session in France. The Molesey Juniors set out in force for a solid 10km outing to get used to the surroundings and landmarks as the river seems never ending compared to Molesey’s 4km stretch of river. After a very wet and windy time out on the water we were shown to our ‘homes’ for the week. Where in a few days time, would become athlete recovery centres, full of sweaty kit, recovery snacks and tired juniors.

Dinner was served in a friendly, local restaurant located between the boat club and the chalets which kept the juniors fuelled and energised for the week. After an extremely long day we return to the chalets, with wobbly legs as one certain junior attempts to limbo underneath the security gate. However, they were unsuccessful in doing so and decided to face plant the floor instead. The first of many laughs to be had throughout the week,