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Dwain Chambers eased through his opening 100 metres heat at the European Athletics Championships - but Christophe Lemaitre and Mark Lewis-Francis both went quicker.

Chambers, pictured, stumbled a little out of the blocks but powered to a commanding victory, clocking 10.21 seconds into a strong -1.5 headwind.

He was easing down as he soon opened up a clear advantage but knows the true test awaits on Wednesday, with France's Lemaitre - leading the European rankings this season - his main rival for gold.

Eight years ago in Munich Chambers was crowned European 100m champion only to be stripped of the honour when he tested positive for illegal drugs 12 months later.

This time round, and powered by nothing stronger than coffee, he insists a gold won fairly would be the highlight of a frustrating career pitted with more self-inflicted lows than highs.

"I still feel just as nervous as I did when I was 14 but I've learned to control my nerves and not let the occasion get the better of me," said Chambers. "It's not about the heats, it's about playing your cards right and negotiating each round.

"I know what Christophe is capable of doing but I'm focused on myself and I'm feeling good."

Lemaitre, who recently became the first white man to run sub-10 when he clocked 9.98 secs at the French Championships, won his heat in 10.19 secs - the quickest qualifying time - while team-mate Martial Mbandjock, third in the European rankings, clocked 10.26 secs to win his opening race.

"Dwain is the big rival because we are the only athletes to run under 10 seconds this season - I think it's between us for the gold medal," said Lemaitre.

Lemaitre also denied rumours that he was suffering from an injury while Britain's Lewis-Francis, who finished a close second to the Frenchman, looked good, running the second fastest qualifying time, 10.23 secs.

"I'm happy with that, it's about raising your game at major championships," said Lewis-Francis, who was dropped from lottery funding this year and only found out he was running the individual event in Barcelona last week.

"It's a good start and I feel great, especially as I wasn't meant to be here. I've had too many disappointing races this season, so I've no complaints about this. However, it's only round one and there are two more races to go for me."

Elsewhere, Great Britain's James Dasoalu will need to improve on his 10.40 sec time - which qualified him in third place from his heat.

"I made it through and that is the main thing," he said. "I wasn't as nervous as I thought but I need to step it up again now. It's about getting into that final however I can and taking it from there."

Defending champion, Portugal's Francis Obikwelu, whose title challenged has been largely dismissed ran 10.27 secs - just outside his season's best but also into a headwind.

• 100m Men

More Than The Games / Eurosport