Mark Smith (Crawley Wheelers) climbed to top spot in the Sussex CA Hilly 23, while Simon Mumme (Paceline RT) was fastest road bike.
The GS/194 loop was shortened by two miles due to a flooded section of the course making for a 23-mile but equally as difficult loop around the Sussex countryside.
Smith, who finished second in the National 12 hour and VTTA National 25 last season, got his 2020 campaign off to a winning start despite being pushed all the way for the victory.
The veteran rider, who also won last year’s event, clocked a winning time over the shortened course of 54 minutes and 47 seconds.
Stuart Bettis (South Downs Bikes/Casco Pet) had to settle for second place just eight seconds behind the winner while Kevin Nelson (Crawley Whls) finished third (55.13).
In the road bikes event hill climb specialist Simon Mumme (Paceline RT) broke the hour to take a clear win in 59 minutes and 13 seconds.
A close battle for the remaining podium positions saw Jack Dunne (Lindfield Coffee Works) finish second in 1:01.31 just six seconds ahead of Roger Smith (South Downs Bikes/Casco Pet).
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Results
Time trial bikes
1 Mark Smith (Crawley Whls) 54.47
2 Stuart Bettis (South Downs Bikes/Casco Pet) 54.55
3 Kevin Nelson (Crawley Whls) 55.13
4 Henry James (Crawley Whls) 55.44
5 David Shepherd (…A3crg) 57.12
6 Rupert Robinson (Crawley Whls) 58.38
Road bikes
1 Simon Mumme (Paceline RT) 59.13
2 Jack Dunne (Lindfield Coffee Works) 1:01.31
3 Roger Smith (South Downs Bikes/Casco Pet) 1:01.37