There have been plenty more lows than highs for Flora Duffy this year but winning a title with new professional team Poissy, coupled with a sound showing, has left the teenager optimistic about next season.

Duffy, who has been plagued with recent fatigue problems, was "reasonably happy" with her 27th position at the La Baule triathlon at the weekend with a time of 1:01.16, helping Poissy become French Champions.

It follows on from her impressive swim in the Triathlon World Championship earlier this month, despite being forced to withdraw shortly after when she collided with another cyclist.

"I was reasonably happy with my race in La Baule as I was tired because I've been training especially hard this month," said Duffy. "It wasn't an especially important race for me, but our series win helped us to the title.

"I was contracted for three grand prix races with Poissy this season but have managed only two due to unavailability. All the girls involved received medals and I'm proud to be part of a winning team. It's a very good standard with some excellent athletes and it was a good run-out for me."

Since starting her second campaign with a career-best fifth place finish in Lisbon, Duffy has endured a miserable season failing to finish the Madrid World Cup BG and coming last in the Salford World Cup BG in July.

But the 19-year-old remains philosophical about her torrid time and is still on track to achieve her primary goal - a place at the 2009 Beijing Olympics.

"Although I didn't finish the World Championships (due to a bike collision) my last two races have suggested I'm getting back on track," she said. "I've two World Cup races left this season and I'm not expecting anything, just solid races. To be honest I'll be going through the motions a little as I'm already focusing on next season. But all the points count in qualifying for Beijing."

It is understood the top 55 female triathletes qualify for an Olympic berth with Duffy, despite her turbulent season, still ranked 43rd. With each country allocated a maximum of three places, Duffy's rank will climb further due to the high number of Australian and American athletes ahead of her.

"I'm still well set for a place at the Olympics and that's why I'm focusing on getting in form for next season. The Olympics are my priority and I've already been doing a lot more intensive swimming training. The first stage of a triathlon is so important nowadays and if you finish the swim in the front pack you can almost breathe a sigh of relief.

"You can almost guarantee after the bike ride you'll be a good position for the run. The swim is that vital."

Bermuda's Female Athlete of the Year heads to Rhodes, Greece, next week to begin preparations for her penultimate World Cup race on October 9. Her final race is on November 3 in Cancun, Mexico.