Scratch rider Tom Ward (WardPerformanceUK.com) took his first open victory of the season at the Welsh 25-Mile Championship, while Emma Wyatt (Hereford & Dist Wheelers) continued her winning form in the women’s event.

Ward, aged 29, clocked a winning time of 47 minutes and 11 seconds on his first open outing of the season.

The R25/7 saw competitors start in Usk before heading out and back along the A449 and then A40 to Monmouth.

Ward holds the course record of 45-36 which he set in the Welsh 25-mile Championships in August 2021 and despite going slower on this occasion he scooped up another winner’s prize.

Matthew Cox (FTP Fulfil the Potential Race Team) finished runner-up in The University of Bristol Cycling Club 10-mile event in March and repeated that result this time out in 49-06.

The battle for third position could not have been closer as Dean Callister (Aerologic RT) and Owen Burgess (UF Rowe & King) both stopped the clock in 49-24 to share the placing.

Quickest veteran on scratch Anthony Jones (VMCC powered by Y Beic) missed out on the podium positions by just 15 seconds placing fifth overall in 49-39.

“It was the first time trial of the season for me, so I was a bit unsure of what to expect, but I have had a good run of training leading into the event, so that gave me confidence,” said Ward.

“I’m pleased with my performance and to get the win today, only made possible by Martin Heritage-Owen and the amazing team of volunteers, with whom we all owe a debt of gratitude to.

“The bike ran well and I had a new front wheel in, which certainly did the job. I’m looking forward to mixing some track racing in with more time trials over the rest of the season.”

The women’s event was also closely fought as Wyatt, from Hereford, posted a winning time of 57-11.

The 47-year-old has won three open events already this season and added a fourth on this occasion.

Claire Emons (a3crg) had to settle for second this time out finishing 27 seconds back in 57-38, while Bethan Ouseley (Pembrokeshire Velo) was third (1-00-07).

“It was really good and I felt strong,” said Wyatt. “The weather was perfect, there was not much wind and it was lovely and sunny, it just went really well.

“I’ve done that course quite a few times and it was my personal best on that course. It was good to have the right day.

“I’ve won my last three events now so I’m really happy. I put it down to good training and good food.

“I like the 10 and 25-mile distance, although I’m going to have a go at two 50s this year.”

Veteran Tim Fletcher (Clevedon & District Road Club) took his second open road bike category victory of the season in 56-19.

Karl Moseley (Droitwich Cycling Club) finished second in the category in 1-01-12 and Paul Haig (Sikh Cycling Club) placed third (1-07-13).

Charlotte Mead (Monmouthshire Wheelers) was the only women’s road bike competitor and completed the course in 1-08-08.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

Result:

Open:

1 Tom Ward (WardPerformanceUK.com)       47.11

2 Matthew Cox (FTP ( Fulfil The Potential ) Race Team)     49.06

=3 Dean Callister (Aerologic RT)      49.24

=3 Owen Burgess (UF Rowe & King)           49.24

5 Anthony Jones (VMCC powered by Y Beic)          49.39

6 Oliver Bridgewood (Bath Cycling Club)     49.42

7 Karl Norris (360VRT)         50.05

8 Dylan Griffiths (University of Bath Cycling Club) 50.32

9 Daniel Wyatt (Hereford & Dist Whs CC)   50.49

10 Tony Chapman (Frome and District Wheelers)     50.54

Women:

1 Emma Wyatt (Hereford & Dist Whs CC)    57.11

2 Claire Emons (a3crg)           57.38

3 Bethan Ouseley (Pembrokeshire Velo)        1:00.07

4 Sarah Murray (Clwb Beicio Egni Eryri)      1:00.49

5 Lisa Davies (VMCC powered by Y Beic)   1:02.13

6 Emma Davies (Port Talbot Whs CC)          1:02.19

7 Andrea Parish (VeloSistas TT Team)           1:02.37

8 Charlotte Mead (Monmouthshire Wheelers)           1:08.08

9 Joanna Legge-Knight (Bristol South Cycling Club)           1:08.42

Road bikes:

1 Tim Fletcher (Clevedon & District Road Club)      56.19

2 Karl Moseley (Droitwich Cycling Club)     1:01.12

3 Paul Haig (Sikh Cycling Club)        1:07.13

Woman: Charlotte Mead (Monmouthshire Wheelers)            1:08.08