conditions to complete the 97-kilometre first leg of the Grand Prix Feminin International du Quebec.

The pair were given the same time as they finished with the pack, around two minutes behind winner Sarah Ulmer.

But team-mate Jeanna Jones was one of many competitors involved in crashes along the rolling course made treacherous by rain.

Jones crashed at around 16 kilometres and was forced to ride the remainder of the race alone and in pain and may decide not to continue the event, which runs through until Sunday.

The team of four was made up by French national champion Jeannie Longo, who said afterwards: "I don't like the rain and cold. I'm looking forward to the mountain stages.'' GRIFFIN WINS SQUASH THRILLER SQU Griffin wins squash thriller Wendy Griffin battled to a 3-2 victory over Nas Jetha in the outstanding game of the first two rounds of the Moresby Squash Club's annual tournament.

Griffin won the first two games 9-2, 9-4, but was then pegged back as Jetha won the next two games 9-6, 10-9. But Griffin regained her composure to take the deciding fifth game 10-8.

Last year's runner-up Gavin Dent is emerging as favourite, having knocked out Tim Viney to reach the semi-finals. Viney is now favourite for the plate event and is through to the semi-finals, along with Jetha, who beat Paul Baker 3-2, and Nick Wheeler, who saw off beginner Oliver Viney 3-1.

The finals of both events will be held tomorrow.