Brighton's Jonathan Sharpe, the Sussex cyclo-cross champion, led from start to finish at the Brighton Mitre senior open cyclo-cross race at Sheepcote Valley.

Sharpe (Cycleweb-Saucony) held a 30-second lead at the end of the first lap and never looked back.

At halfway in the hour-long race he held a 40-second lead over Andy Seltzer (East Grinstead), while Lancing rider Chris Field (VC Etoile) was third ahead of veteran rider Doug Fox (Crawley Wheelers).

By the finish Sharpe had increased his lead over Seltzer to 1min.50sec, while Fox finished third at 3min.35sec.

Mike Thyer (Southwater Cycles) placed fourth, Field fell back to fifth and Jerry Manthorpe (Horsham Riders) was sixth.

Other leading finishers were: seventh Graham Boyd (Crawley Wheelers), eighth Toby Leyton (Brighton Mitre), ninth Mark Burgess (Lewes Wanderers), tenth Simon Roberts (Brighton Excelsior), 11th Dave Clark (Brighton Mitre), 12th Steve Burgess (Lewes Wanderers).

Jo Westbrook from Sompting won an award for the first woman to finish.

Sharpe said: "I needed a hard race as I am going to Lanzarote to compete in an international triathlon event. I'll be back to ride in the VC Etoile's cycle cross at Lancing on November 25."

Thyer, who sustained facial injuries during the summer when his forks broke during a training ride, said: "I am pleased with my ride. I needed some dental repair work done, but my form is returning now."

Two of Britain's top riders will be among the guests at Brighton Mitre's annual dinner on Saturday. Bradley Wiggins was a member of Britain's silver medal winning pursuit team at this year's World Championships. He also won international road races in Majorca and Luxembourg.

Rob Hayles just missed out on a medal in the Sydney Olympics when he finished fourth in the individual pursuit.

Sussex riders are invited to join the two stars on Brighton Mitre's club run on Sunday morning. Meet at 9am at the cafe near the roundabout at the junction of Dyke Road Avenue and Mill Road.