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Paris, France

If spring was in the Parisian air this weekend, there was also a bounce in British steps as the squad returned to colder climes on the other side of La Manche.

Fourth place on the medal table at the and a final tally of two golds, five silvers and a bronze represents the country's best return on foreign soil in these championships in 22 years. Ordinarily, this would be the cause of unrestrained celebration.

But these are not ordinary times. With the London Olympics just 16 months away, there is a heightened intensity and scrutiny to everything British sporting squads do or don't achieve.

Are the country's athletes on track? Who might step up or struggle when the summer sun and outdoor season replaces cold nights and claustrophobic indoor action? How much can really be read into the results here at the ?

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