AFTER starting the season in her best form ever with three comfortable wins, Bromsgrove and Redditch racewalker Sharon Tonks hit disaster following a week's warm weather training in Spain, where she picked up a virus.

And six weeks of little or no training have hampered her preparation for next week's UK Grand Prix.

She further underlined her misfortune during a coughing fit last week when she damaged muscle and cartilage in her chest.

With the damage heavily strapped, she approached Saturday's friendly match between USA and Great Britain at Warwick University with caution.

She decided to use the 5km race as an indicator for next week's 20km event. Despite avoiding her usual fast start she still found herself in the lead at the end of the second lap.

When the American Amber Antonio came past her Sharon refused to take the bait, deliberately deciding against any sudden change of pace.

At half distance, she increased her pace and was rapidly closing the gap with her rival.

With four laps to go she tripped on the bend, causing considerable pain. After this she eased back, finishing a comfortable second to Antonio.

After wards the B&R girl said she had gained a positive experience from the race and would be competing in next week's UK Grand Prix.