Saltdean's John Limpus was the fastest rider at Redhill CC's time trial and led the GS Stella Club to their fifth team win of the season, which only started three weeks ago.

Limpus stormed round the undulating 19-and-a-half-mile course in 48min.39sec.

His team-mate Mark Jones, from Storrington, clocked 48min.53sec for second place.

Stella's Phil Wise punctured when riding well, but Richard Bonner, who recorded 54min.44sec for 16th place, secured the team win. Brighton Mitre's Tony Richardson finished eighth in 52min.14sec.

Limpus said: "The snow had melted by the time the event started. It was still very cold though so I went for a longer ride than usual beforehand to make sure I was properly warmed up.

"I've won some tandem races with Mark Jones but this was my first individual win in a fully open event."

Brighton Mitre's club time trial the previous day was also held in chilly conditions. Portslade rider Tristan Court, wearing the rainbow jersey of a world champion after his win last year in the International Cycling Federation's time trial championship, covered the 22-mile course, based at Henfield, in 1hr.0min.36sec.

Tony Richarson, 24 seconds slower in second place, said: "At least I was only beaten by a world champion." Third place went to Andy Green in 1hr.4min.8sec.

The Mitre expect to win some team prizes in open events this season, especially when former London star Keith Reed starts racing for them shortly.

The East Sussex CA have a good field for their 16-mile Hardrider's time trial on Sunday.

The first rider starts from Bodle Street Green, north of Herstmonceux, at 10am.