THE GB gymnastics squad have just completed a week s intensive training at the National Centre in Patras, Greece. The team, captained by Louis Smith from the Huntingdon Club, are all suffering from sore hands and tired muscles, but feel well-prepared for

THE GB gymnastics squad have just completed a week's intensive training at the National Centre in Patras, Greece.

The team, captained by Louis Smith from the Huntingdon Club, are all suffering from sore hands and tired muscles, but feel well-prepared for next week's European Championships.

The Greek Gymnastics Federation have been so hospitable and we left Patras with great memories of wonderful food, fantastic scenery, and a bunch of new friends.

On Sunday we made the four-hour transfer to Volos, via a circuitous route across mountains and through gorges, before arriving just in time to watch the women's final.

It was fantastic to see Beth Tweddle win gold for Great Britain on the asymmetric bars, and the boys are now very motivated to do well next Friday.

Our hotel sits at the top of a mountain overlooking the town and the sea, and just 12 kilometres from a ski centre.

The boys packed plenty of shorts and sun cream, but are a little unprepared for the alpine climate that has greeted them at 1500 metres.

Training has been hard, and the boys are physically in good shape.

Louis Smith now looks forward to the big day on Friday.

"I've been doing routines since the World Championships last November, and this Friday will see the end of the competition cycle," he said.

"It's been a tough six months but a great experience to win gold at the Commonwealth - now I hope to be able to focus on a good result in the European Championships."

The gymnastics circus has been arriving today, with athletes from Belarus, Romania, France, and Denmark sharing our hotel, and 23 other nations filling the hotels of Volos.

The stage is now set and we await the competition!

Paul Hall Team GB