
We use cookies on this website to personalize your experience and track site usage. To learn more, please visit our cookies policy.
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.
Event Photos – Free of charge - see also Welsh Cycling Association page on Facebook. Please tag us on socials if you use a photo!
CTT Event Finder – Explore more 2025 time trial results and upcoming events.