Lancing's Natasha Maes put up a strong defence of her title in the women's national circuit time trial championship in Leicestershire.

But had to settle for a silver medal.

Yvonne McGregor (Team Alsager), the world pursuit champion and Olympic bronze medallist, stormed around the 20-mile course in 48min.8sec.

Maes (In Gear) who, as the reigning champion was last to start, one minute behind McGregor, finished second with 50min.3sec.

Now she is banking on a good ride in the women's national ten-mile championship on Saturday.

McGregor, who is preparing for the world championships, has not entered. Peacehaven rider Alan Curtis (In Gear) finished 12th in the men's circuit championship.

He recorded 1hr.9min.45sec for the 30-mile event, won by Stuart Dangerfield in 1hr.5min.46sec.

Curtis believes he stands a better chance in the 10-mile championship this weekend.

Hampshire rider Steve Walkling (St Raphael) won the Bognor Regis CC 56th annual 25-mile time trial in 55min.22sec.

The first Sussex competitor in the 120-strong field was Mark Jones (GS Stella) who was fifth with 56min.39sec.

Boyd Johnson (Eastbourne Rovers) placed eighth in 58min.7sec.

Steve Woodbridge (GS Stella) was ninth in 58min.14sec and Tristan Court (Brighton Mitre) tenth in 58min.19sec.

Andy Payne (59min.43sec) completed GS Stella's winning team. Sussex riders had a field day in time trials elsewhere.

Sean Yates (Team Clean), from Forest Row, riding a new bike having just returned from a holiday, won the Regent RC 10-mile event at East Hoathly in 21min.7sec.

Tristan Court was runner-up with 22min.35sec. Steve Dennis (East Grinstead) won the Southern Counties 25-mile event near Horsham in 56min.6sec, beating Epsom's Brian Molloy by 23 seconds.

Hastings rider Peter Tadros (VC Bayeux) won the Eastern Counties 25 in Essex in 52min.57sec, beating local ace Zak Carr by 28seconds.

Mountain biker Mike Thyer (Southwater Cycles), who has returned to racing after his serious training accident of three months ago, finished third in the Grand Veterans' race at the Southern Area meeting near Reading.