Steve Dennis clocked his fastest 25-mile time ever as Sussex riders dominated the Epsom CC event held on a course in the Horsham area.

The non-Sussex riders in the field of 86 were totally eclipsed as Dennis (East Grinstead CC), the Sussex 25-mile champion, stormed round the course in 52min.23sec to beat his previous best by 33 seconds.

Brighton star Mike Coyle (VC Etoile) finished second (53min.12sec) and Seaford rider Dave Pollard (In Gear) was third (53min.38sec).

Etoile were worthy winners of the team event with Coyle backed by Tim Mardell (53min 57sec) and Martin Butcher (1h.0min. 41sec).

Dennis said: "I've had a good year but I didn't expect to do a personal best so late in the season."

The Epsom club also ran a two-up event which was entered by 21 pairs.

It was won by Keith Coffey and Shaun Kennedy (Bec CC) in 53min.5sec.

East Grinstead pair Paul Blackmore and Andy Seltzer were third in 55min.34sec.

The first event of the Sussex Cyclo-Cross League season takes place on Sunday at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre.

The VC Etoile promotion will cater for all age groups starting with a juvenile race at 11am. The senior league race starts at 1pm.