Mike Coyle rounded off a very successful season by leading VC Etoile to the team race crown in Brighton Mitre's 35th annual 25-mile time trial at Steyning.

The Brighton ace finished a close third in the individual race.

The event was won by London rider Dean Lubin (Team Economic Energy) in 55min.17sec. Last year's winner, Kevin Neary (Leo RC), was only two seconds slower in second place, while Coyle clocked 55min.38sec.

Coyle was backed up in the team race by Tim Mardall (59min.32sec) and Clive Oxborrow (1hr.00min.18sec).

It was a good day for local teams with Eastbourne Rovers finishing second and Brighton Mitre third.

Coyle, who has been winning races since March, said: "I didn't quite make it today and I'm having a break now.

"There are still some open hill climbs to be held in Sussex but it has been a long, hard season and I need to recharge my batteries."

There was a shock result in the veterans' handicap when Harry Featherstone (Eastbourne Rovers) was beaten by Bill Broadfield (Ciclos Uno). Featherstone beat his target time by an impressive 18min.39sec but Broadfield beat his target by 19min.20sec.

Kent rider Carole Gandy (SPA) won the women's individual event in 1hr.3min.12sec while Eastbourne's Daniel Frederick was fastest junior in 1hr.9min.3sec.

Brighton Mitre pair Tristan Court and Mick Harvey made a superb debut as tandem partners, winning the tandem race in 54min.22sec.

The Mitre have announced that Nicola Cooke, British cycling's 'Golden Girl', will be the guest of honour at their dinner at the Thistle Hotel in Brighton on November 29.

Cooke, from Glamorgan, won three world titles as a junior. Since becoming a senior she has won the Commonwealth Games road race and she recently clinched the top prize of all, the women's professional World Cup series.

The Mitre will be holding another of their cycling jumble sales at the Steyning Centre on November 15. Further details of both events from Mitre president Frank Blake on 01273 885332.

The Sussex Hill Climb at Chantry Lane, Storrington, on Saturday starts at 2pm. London clubman Matt Goodes (De Laune) is the man in form.