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Rob Francis (Team Bottrill) and Emily Martin (Team Bottrill) dominated the VCC Late-Season 25-Mile Time Trial on 10 August 2025, marking the triumphant return of the fast R25/3H course in South Wales after a six-year hiatus due to road works. Francis clocked 44:54 for the open win, while Martin secured the women’s title with 50:03, in a race that saw quick times and strong performances across categories. The results aligned closely with pre-race predictions, with Team Bottrill fulfilling their Spindata-favored status in both categories. Riders from Rockingham Forest Wheelers made the trip worthwhile, shattering four club records and achieving huge PBs: Lynne Scofield (Rockingham Forest Wheelers) (1:05:29, new Female V40 25-mile record), Adam Wells (Rockingham Forest Wheelers) (53:21 PB), Michael Carter (Rockingham Forest Wheelers) (59:10 RB PB), Michael Weaver (Rockingham Forest Wheelers) (50:43, new club 25-mile record since 1997 and male Vet’s record), and Philip Wilkinson (Rockingham Forest Wheelers) (54:26, contributing to a new team 25-mile record with Adam and Mike).
The R25/3H, a 25-mile fast route with a downhill start, delivered the expected speedy rides under favourable conditions. Francis led a Team Bottrill one-two, finishing 35 seconds ahead of teammate Jake Sargent (Team Bottrill) (45:29), with James Jenkins (Hart Performance Coaching) (46:33) third—matching the preview's highlight of Jenkins as a key challenger. David James Williams (Velotik Racing Team) (47:43) and Will Bjergfelt (AeroCoach) (47:51) rounded the top five, while junior Oliver Tregear (Tofauti Everyone Active) (48:44) impressed in sixth, living up to his predicted contention.
Martin, the National 25-mile champion, continued her stellar season with a commanding victory, over four minutes ahead of teammate Kim Barfoot-Brace (Team Bottrill) (54:22). Bethan Ouseley (Pembrokeshire Velo) (55:09), Sarah Matthews (...a3crg) (55:29), and Deb Hutson-Lumb (Legato Racing Team (LRT)) (56:13) followed. Claire Emons (...a3crg) (56:32) and Emma Davies (Port Talbot Whs CC) (59:11) added depth, with Lynne Scofield (Rockingham Forest Wheelers, 1:05:29) eighth.
Martin's 50:03 ride etched her name into history as the 6th fastest women's 25-mile TT of all time, behind Hayley Simmonds (49:28, 2016), Emma Lewis (49:41, 2019), Emily Meakin (49:45, 2019), Julia Shaw (50:01, 2011), and Vicky Gill (50:02, 2019)—all on fast courses like R25/3H. Francis's 44:54 ranks as the 5th fastest open 25-mile ride ever, trailing Marcin Bialoblocki (42:58, 2018), Chris Fennell (44:10, 2021), Alex Dowsett (44:29, 2016), John Archibald (44:41, 2018), and ahead of Stuart Travis (44:59, 2018).
The event showcased talent across age groups, with Veteran categories (40+ in 5-year bands) highlighting endurance. In the open field. Will Bjergfelt AG 45-49) topped his band with 47:51. Anthony Jones (VMCC powered by Y Beic) (AG 50-54) won his with 49:09, Tim Radley (Gloucester City Cycling Club) (AG 50-54) followed. @Paul Jones (Primera-Teamjobs) (AG 50-54) and Mark Woolford (ZeroBC Race Team) (AG 55-59) led their respective bands with competitive times. Robert Jones (Cardiff 100 Miles RCC) (AG 70-74) impressed among older veterans.
For women, Kim Barfoot-Brace (AG 45-49) topped her band at 54:22. Sarah Matthews (AG 65-69) led hers with 55:29, Deb Hutson-Lumb (AG 60-64) with 56:13, and Claire Emons (AG 55-59) won her band with 56:32.
The VCC Late-Season 25-Mile TT, organised by Virtual Cycling Club, unfolded on the R25/3H course, a 25-mile fast route in South Wales attracting 106 riders eager for quick times after its long absence.
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