Websites created by Sussex fans have been snapped up for inclusion in Europe's biggest online sports network.
Two sites, set up by cycle-mad Richard Stern and cricket-crazy Jon Rutter, appear along with more than 300 other independent fan sites on pan-European network Rivals.net.
Rivals.net was launched last week with the aim of providing fans with the kind of in-depth information and supporters' communities which more established broad-based sports sites do not cover.
The Rivals network brings together more than 300 independent fan sites for sports ranging from cycling to BMX biking.
As well as the day's big stories in each sport covered, visitors to Rivals.net can access the latest news and gossip on their favourite team by linking to individual fan sites.
Every site is written and edited by a dedicated fan who is mad about his or her own team or sport.
Eastbourne-based online cycle coaching centre cyclecoach.com is one of the fan sites selected for inclusion in the network.
Its editor, 31 year-old Richard Stern, has been a racing cyclist and passionate fan since he was 14.
He said the sport is the most important thing in his life.
He set up his online coaching service and training consultancy two years ago, using e-mail to communicate with clients.
He said: "You can coach at a distance because unlike other sports, cycling is mainly fitness rather than skill-based."
Jon Rutter's sussex-sharks.com has also been selected by Rivals.net.
Mr Rutter, 30, has been a devotee of Sussex County Cricket Club all his life and now lives near the club's Hove ground.
He works full-time as a stock taker but spends an hour of his spare time each day updating his site.
He said: "I have been a Sussex CCC fan all my life and started the site as a hobby.
"I could never find out the information I really wanted to know from any other site so figured other Sussex CCC fans probably had the same problem."
Individual site editors such as Mr Stern and Mr Rutter may one day see their passion turned into profit as the network enables them to attract far more advertisers than they could on their own.
Mr Rutter said: "I never dreamt I could turn it into a real business.
"Rivals.net helps me get the most out of my site by providing free technology and marketing support."
"In addition, a Rivals.net sales team will generate higher advertising revenues.
"Now I can focus on writing and giving fans the in-depth information they want."
Both Sussex sites will now be seen by the seven million people who visit the Rivals.net site every month.
Rivals.net plans to make money from e-commerce, online betting and fantasy games.
All the fansites are supported by chat rooms and messageboards.
Rivals.net Chief Executive Officer Marcus Leaver said: "Rivals.net is an easy-to-navigate network of hundreds of independent sports websites delivering what fans want, when they want it.
"Richard and Jon are great additions to our network and are committed and passionate editors who provide a valuable channel for fans' voices.
"They typify the Rivals.net spirit and understand that fans crave independent and in-depth information about their favourite teams and want to be part of a like-minded community."
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