PAUL Carson overcame a nightmarish bike leg at the European Duathlon Championships to finish 14th in Nancy, France.

After a quick opening 10km run, the 40km cycle ride had initially started well and the Swindon man made his way quickly through the field.

But around 20km in, Carson’s wheel clipped a drain in the road, which twisted his handlebars and threw him onto the road.

Following help from officials and spectators, he got back on the bike around a minute later.

But the accident had caused the brake caliper to move and was rubbing against the front wheel, slowing his progress.

Despite the drama, Carson gave his best final run of the season for the last 5km, recording a time of 17:52.