Former London ace Keith Reed had high hopes of a good ride in the Southern Counties ten and 25-mile time trials in Surrey.

He won both events in 1998 and wanted to get off to a winning start in his new Brighton Mitre colours. Instead he crashed heavily early on in the ten-mile event and was lucky to escape with a few bruises.

He said: "I am not sure how it happened but I was riding a new bike. I landed on my neck which is a bit sore but I hope to be fit to ride in the Sussex CA's team event next week. My main concern is getting another bike ready in time."

The event was won by Paul Smith (API Bikes) in 24m 6s and only 50 seconds separated the first eight riders. The first Sussex rider was Storrington's Mark Jones (GS Stella), who was fourth in 24m 33s. Stella won their seventh team prize of the season with Steve Woodbridge recording 26m 23s and Phil Wise 28m 15s.

Londoner Tim Stevens (Team Clean) won the 25-mile event in exactly 59 minutes. Hampshire rider Malcolm Cox (St Raphael) placed second in 59m 44s and Steve Dennis (East Grinstead) was third in 1hr 0m 17s. Mark Jones, last year's winner, was fourth with 1hr 0m 48s. Angela Nainby (East Grinstead) won the women's events both days.

The Sussex and Surrey Veterans' Group promoted an open 25-mile event at Maresfield with former Tour de France rider Sean Yates (Team Clean) from Buxted, now a first year veteran at 40, winning in 54m 33s.

He had almost a four-minute margin over younger opponent James Dear (Eastbourne Rovers) who clocked 58m 32s. Hastings rider Steve Holland (VC Bayeux) recorded 59m 55s for third and Lewes rider Carl Whitaker (Etoile) was fourth in 1hr 2m 28s. Harry Featherstone (Eastbourne Rovers), won the veterans' handicap with 1hr 5m 35s.

Sunday's Sussex CA event has 46 two-men teams and starts from Storrington at 7.30am. Houghton Hill is the main obstacle on the 27-mile circuit.