Sussex cyclo-cross champion Jonathan Sharpe has escaped with minor injuries after being involved in a collision with a car.

Sharpe, of Brighton, was riding home when the accident happened in Crawley.

He was thrown from his bike, which was wrecked, and suffered shock, grazes and bruises.

Sharpe said: "I suppose I was lucky as it could have been much worse.

"I was feeling so good as I had just signed to ride for a new sponsor.

"I am joining Gatwick-based Evans Cycles, which will have a very strong team this year. I was angry that my bike was written-off by the crash but I have taken delivery of two new ones."

Sharpe rode in the national senior cyclo-cross championship in Birmingham at the weekend and finished 37th.

He said: "I was disappointed as I had been hoping for a top ten placing. I had a few aches and pains but at least I was able to complete the course which was a tough one.

"I am riding around 50 miles a day to and from work in Crawley, so I expect to be fully fit again shortly."

Hassocks rider Rik Taub (In Gear) and Brighton's Malcolm Kemp (Regent) both rode in the national over-50s championship and they finished 27th and 31st.

The late Terry Chambers, the son of Olympic rider Stan Chambers, made a big impression when he rode in the 1961 Trinidad Games.

The Hove rider was the most successful track competitor. He won several events at the Guaracara Park track and set a new Games record for 2,000 metres.

Now Trinidad promoter Michael Philips would like to see Sussex riders taking part in the forthcoming Caribbean Games. Riders can find full details on the Games website at http//:www.caribbeancycling.com.

Angela Brown (21st Century airports) is taking part in the Tanzania Bike Safari Challenge.

The event is in aid of the charity SCOPE and it starts from Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, on January 20.

Angela, 22, from Gossops Green, Crawley, is hoping the event will be good training for her racing season.