Jeremy We’ve heard all the stories about Cool Runnings but to clock up third place in the British Bobsleigh Championships might take some celebrating. Beaten to the top of the podium by Team GB 1 (currently fifth in the world) and the RAF, it wasn’t a bad effort for a couple of semi-fit journalists and two fortysomething ex-racers.

After two trial days training at the dry track in Bath, followed by two runs on the Innsbruck track yesterday, today we picked up bronze medals for completing the 1217 metre course in an average time of 54 seconds. And despite being spiked by the brakeman’s shoes  as he tried to jump in behind me, I can’t wait to do it again.

Team Volvo was a scratch squad put together by the Swedish manufacturer to see if it was possible to compete at the highest level in one of the fastest sports on the planet. Yes, the Lycra was cold and I’m bruised like a soft pear but what an incredible experience. Looking forward to coming home to a cold UK tomorrow.

Jeremy I’m just back with my mutt Malin from his morning constitutional… While the XC60 is laden with safety equipment, the automatic boot door is not as dog friendly as I thought it would be. For example, if I’m opening the boot on a busy road using the keyfob, I need to grab the dog’s lead before the door fully opens and he heads off into oncoming traffic. Closure involves pressing a button on the bottom of the doorframe. Fine? Well, it is if you don’t own a dog with a long tail. It’s similar to trying to close an overstuffed suitcase, without leaving any items poking out of the side. I spend an anxious few moments trying to keep his tail inside the boot before the lid locks in place. Malin thinks this is great fun and is now trying to stick his head out of the ever closing gap instead. Apart from that, automatic boot opening is brilliant. I see other shoppers watching with tailgate envy at the supermarket – so it must be good…