Virtual Cycling Club 25

Emma Wyatt took her sixth open victory of the season in the women’s event at the Virtual Cycling Club 25-mile time trial, while Owen Burgess was quickest in the open event.

Both riders had a double celebration after also clocking personal best times.

In the women’s event, Wyatt (Hereford and District Cycling Club) set an unmatched time of 56-26, short of the course record of 50-20 set previously by Anna Morris.

Wyatt has been in stellar form this season with the Welsh CA 25-mile event one of her five open wins coming into the event.

Claire Emons of …a3crg finished runner-up in 56-47, while Poole Wheelers Cycling Club’s Michelle Lindley was third in 58-57.

“I had a great race,” said Wyatt. “It was a slight headwind on the way out particularly down to the tunnels where it's normally fast.

“There were also temporary traffic lights at Mitchell Troy which I was very lucky with. However, a lovely tailwind on the return leg helped.

“I’m pleased with my personal best time.”

Riding for UF Rowe & King, Burgess posted an impressive 47-41 – behind the standing course record of Tom Ward in 45-36 - to take victory.

The win added to previous success this season at Cardiff Ajax Cycling Club 10-mile in the road bike category on R10/16A, and then at Port Talbot Wheelers Cycling Club 4Up team time trial on June 20 on R25/24EMG.

Second place went to Brighton Mitre Cycling Club’s Adrian Ford in 48-30, while a time of 48-50 helped Anthony Jones (VMCC powered by Y Beic) to seal the final spot on the podium.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect conditions wise, there was a bit of drizzle before the start but it was soon a warm and humid morning,” said Burgess.

“It’s a great 25 course, with some drags and downhills on the dual carriageway and a rather lumpy background so pacing is key.

“I was really pleased with how I paced it today which resulted in a personal best, and delighted to take the win too!

“A change of pace next time out though for the upcoming Welsh 12-hour Championships.”

This event, run on the R25/7 course, starts northeast of Usk and proceeds southwest into Usk before turning eastbound and heads along the A40 through the tunnel, bearing left then turning left onto the B4293, crossing over to rejoin the A40 at Mitchel Troy to follow the route back past Raglan Interchange to finish south of the start line.

*All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.

Results

1. Owen Burgess (UF Rowe & King)        47.41

2. Adrian Ford (Brighton Mitre Cycling Club)      48.30

3. Anthony Jones (VMCC powered by Y Beic)    48.59

4. Jeremy Addis (Gloucester City Cycling Club)               50.02

5. Tim Butler (Gloucester City Cycling Club)     50.04

6. Paul Jones (Primera-Teamjobs)            50.07

7. Karl Norris (360VRT) 50.13

8. Dan Kingston (FTP Fulfil The Potential)           50.44

9. Mark Hamer (Legato Racing Team LRT)          50.49

10. Daniel Wyatt (Hereford and District Wheelers Cycling Club)            50.50

Female:

1. Emma Wyatt (Hereford and District Wheelers Cycling Club)               56.26

2. Claire Emons (…a3crg)           56.47

3. Michelle Lindley (Poole Wheelers Cycling Club)        58.57

4. Emma Davies (Port Talbot Wheelers Cycling Club)   59.30

5. Charlotte Mead (Monmouthshire Wheelers)                1:05.24

6. Joanna Legge-Knight (Bristol South Cycling Club)     1:08.30