NICOLA Lampard may have been competing in her first biathlon, but the Tadcaster Grammar School pupil showed no nerves as she booked her place in the National Finals for next month.

The 14-year-old from Copmanthorpe runs for Nestl Rowntrees and swims for York City Baths, so decided to combine the two sports for the regional biathlon final at Askern Leisure Centre, Doncaster.

A battling 100m swim was followed by an excellent victory in the 1000m run, to give her a second-placed finish overall.

Nicola, who picked up a trophy and a medal for her efforts, is now preparing for her assault on the national title at Sheffield on November 24-25.

She is the second York City Baths Club swimmer to make a big splash in the world of biathlon.

Lauren Mason, 13, finished 14th overall in the World Biathle Championships held in Bonn, Germany.

Lauren faced tough competition from the South African and German competitors in the run/swim/run event.

Speed between the events is critical and Lauren adapted her techniques having seen the leading South African run in bare feet and thus eliminate precious time wasting seconds putting on and taking off shoes.

The South Africans' approach paid off as their athletes took the first three places.

Lauren improved her ranking in the Great Britain team by beating two competitors who finished ahead of her in the qualifying event at Millfield School.

Lauren, Nicola and their teammates from York are looking forward now to the qualifying regional biathlon to be held at Askern, South Yorkshire.

If they are successful they will then compete in the national event to be held in Sheffield next month.

The club has seven competitors entered and one girls team.

Updated: 11:58 Wednesday, October 10, 2001