Nick Rudkin, fifth last year, stepped up a gear to win the 16-mile Hardrider's time trial which heralded the start of the East Sussex CA season.

Rudkin (Eastbourne Rovers) covered a tough course north of Herstmonceux in 39min.44sec.

Less than a minute separated the first six riders. Storrington's Mark Jones (GS Stella) was second (40min.1sec), while Mike Murray (Brighton Excelsior) was third (40min.2sec).

GS Stella's Steve Geran, last year's winner, was fourth (40min.10sec) and Brighton Mitre's Stuart Fahey fifth (40min.40sec). Ashley Freeman (Hastings & St Leonards) was sixth (40min.42sec).

GS Stella won the team event with their third man, Andy Payne, clocking 42min.55sec. The women's event was won by Rachel Croggon (East Grinstead TriClub) in 53min.54sec.

The 26.5-mile East Surrey time trial was won by Northern Ireland star Michael Hutchinson (MTD) for the fourth time (1hr.1min.28sec). Hastings star Peter Tadros (In Gear) punctured for the second week in succession.