Next year's Sussex time trial programme in the county has been saved.

All clubs faced being barred from promoting or competing in time trials when nobody came forward to replace retiring secretary Christine Watts.

But Norwood Paragon member Brian Dawson has stepped in to become secretary of the London South District of Cycling Time Trials.

Dawson's offer to take over was accepted at an extraordinary general meeting in Crawley.

Watts, who was secretary for 26 years, will be a hard act to follow.

She said: "I'm sure Brian will do a good job. He is computer literate, which is very important these days, and he has a sound knowledge of the sport."

Dawson's appointment is good news for Brighton Mitre promoter Robin Johnson.

The Mitre's annual meeting takes place at Preston Park clubhouse tomorrow (7.30pm) and Johnson plans to run several open time trials for the club.

Polegate rider James Dear (In Gear), the new Sussex cyclo-cross champion, kept up his challenge for a high final placing in the London League by finishing fifth in Victory CC's race at Rainham in Kent, which was the ninth of the 13 rounds.

Dear is in good form and is among the favourites to win a medal in Sunday's South Eastern Regional Championship at the Lydden motor circuit near Dover.