Terry was extremely aggressive throughout the race on a tight, twisty circuit near the sea at Brighton.

He tried repeatedly to break away from his rivals and each successive attack whittled down the field until only a few were left to contend the final sprint.

Terry was a little disappointed not to win, but came away with his confidence bolstered in the knowledge he had been the strongest rider.

The number of evening events are increasing now the days are lengthening.

The under-16s were involved as the first of the Angmering Raceway youth series took place.

The Raceway is more accustomed to the roar of engines, but it is also an ideal circuit to develop the next generation of talent.

The technically-challenging course attracts riders from Brighton, Chichester and the M4 corridor.

Fourteen competitors took part in seven separate events which contribute to the season-long series.

Overall winner of the first round was Kimberley English from Brighton's Palmer Park Velo club, with Harry Leleu from Arun Tridents fourth, Jamie Ford from Almodington fifth and Donnington's Joseph Marchant 12th.

Portsmouth's Mountbatten track has the luxury of floodlights and has been running events throughout the winter.

The latest event was decided by a bunch sprint for the major placings with Andover's Justin Hoy taking another win.

Lordington's Al Murison produced his best result to finish seventh in the same time as the winner. His younger brother Teddy finished second again to nemesis Max Webber (Andover) in under-16s race.

Aldwick's Marc Perry, riding for Sports Beans, was one of the few finishers in the East Midlands International CiCLE Classic, a race over 100 miles, many of which were on unmade roads and farm tracks.

Some 180 riders started, but less than a quarter finished as the speed, crashes and punctures took their toll.

Perry finished a creditable 40th.

- TIM COSTELLO