Hannah Kitchen won bronze in her first triathlon of the season in Mallorca and then ‘relaxed’ by taking on a 67-mile bike ride around the island.

The Great Britain international from Rickmansworth was pleased to finish on the podium in her first triathlon of the season. And it was a tough start for her against quality international opposition.

The race kicked off with a 1,500m beach start open water sea swim, which became choppy as the competitors shared the bay with the men who had set off on their race just a couple of minutes before them.

She said: “I didn’t have one of my best swims as I just felt a little flat, unable to go with Hannah Lord as she came past. I exited the swim in second place – apparently. I had no idea where I was having been caught up with the men. I was also a little disorientated when I got out the water and wasted a lot of time looking around and working out where to go.”

Kitchen then had a good transition onto the bike for the 5k ride and shared the workload with Emma Pallant on the windy course as they tried to chase down Lord and Michelle Flipo.

The bike ride was followed by a punishing run over a three-lap course taking in the main streets of Colonia de Sant Jordi and the coastline.

Kitchen said: “It was getting pretty hot and I didn’t feel great on the first lap but felt much better for the second and final lap. I held my position and crossed the line in third place, just sneaking onto the podium behind two quality athletes.

“Overall it was a great day out and I was pleased with the race.”

But instead of putting her feet up and heading for a well-deserved lie down on the sun loungers, she spent the next day back in the saddle.

She said: “I wanted to make the most of my time in Mallorca so headed out on a 67-mile bike ride taking in the beautiful climb of Sant Salvador and getting in a last sea swim.”

Kitchen is now back in training, preparing for her next race in Dunkirk.