It's been a good year for Sussex women riders.

It seems they have been inspired by the performances of Nicole Cooke, the 18-year-old from Glamorgan, who won three world titles this year.

Natacha Maes (In Gear), from Lancing, won three silver medals in this year's women's national championships.

She was second in the 25-mile and circuit time trial championships and was narrowly beaten by seven seconds when second in the 10-mile championship.

She also won the Hampshire RC 25-mile women's event in 57min.32sec, a time faster than 60 riders in the men's race.

Another outstanding female Sussex rider has been Marina Bloom, of the Crawley Wheelers.

She rode against the men in the Sussex 12-hour Championship and finished fourth, covering 248 miles. It proved to be the best distance by a woman in the UK this year.

Bloom won a number of women's events, including the East Surrey Hardriders time trial, Brighton Mitre 25 and the Antelope 25.

She set a new Southern Counties 100-mile women's record of 4hr.24min.21sec and finished 12th in the women's British All-Rounder Championship over 25, 50 and 100 miles, averaging over 23mph.

Bloom, partnered by Hampshire rider Ralph Daddswell, also set a number of long-distance tandem tricycle records. These included covering 450 miles in 24 hours.

Other Sussex riders who had a good season included Angela Nainby (East Grinstead), who was second to Bloom in the East Surrey Hardriders event and fastest woman in the Old Portlians 25.

Susan Uncles (Worthing Excelsior) was top woman in the Sussex CA 25-mile Championship. In Gear national ten-mile championship Janet Homewood, of Lewes Wanderers, won the women's Sussex Track League.

Even young riders like Sophie Terry, of Bognor Regis CC, have blossomed this year. Sophie won the British Schools' Under-10s three-mile championship and she is already being tipped for a great future.