Owen Burgess (Newport Phoenix CC) rode to victory in the Virtual Cycling Club 10-mile time trial near Abergavenny and Louise Burnie (Swansea Wheelers) was the winner in the women’s event.

The only rider under 20 minutes, Burgess clocked 19-40 to leave Phil Willoughby (VMCC) in second with 20:23, while third was Robert Francis (Reflex Racing) clocking in at 20:37.

In the women’s event it was Louise Burnie who clocked in at 23:24 to claim the gold.

Taking second was Rosey Mushens (73 Degrees Bicycles) with a time of 23:58. Filling the podium spots was Maria Weymouth (Mid Devon CC) who clocked in at 24:45.

Fastest man Burgess was second in the Realteam.co.uk 15-mile event in June, but has had patchy form in other events so far this term. However, his time of 19-40 was a personal best and nine seconds better than the last time he rode this course in an open event, which was in the Sportzmad 10 in March 2020.

He is next due to be in action in the Pontypool RCC-promoted Welsh 10-Mile Championships next Sunday on the same course as this Virtual CC event, as well as the Welsh 25-Mile Championships the following weekend.

Burnie had claimed one podium in her three riders prior to this event, that came in the Blaydon CC 50 where she finished second. A win in this event puts her back into good form to finish out the season.

Mushens came second in her last event which was another 10-mile event, another second in this event over the same distance, next she will be looking for a win.

Like Burgess, Burnie is next due to be in action in the Pontypool RCC-promoted Welsh 10-Mile Championships next Sunday on the same course as this Virtual CC event, as well as the Welsh 25-Mile Championships the following weekend.

The event also included a road bike category for non-aero machines, which was won by Matt Burden (73 Degrees Bicycles) in 21-06, giving him victory by over two and a half minutes from Gary Francis (Gillingham and District Wheelers).

The event uses the R10/17 course beginning on the A40 to the east of Llanellen and heading along to Raglan where riders turn and head for home.

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