Chris Gibbard claimed victory at Cardiff 100 Miles Road Cycling Club 10, almost two months to the day since suffering a horror crash, while Claire Emons marked her course debut with a win in the female category.

Having enjoyed a successful 2024 season with seven wins from 13 rides, Gibbard had to be airlifted to hospital after coming off his bike while riding on the Alpe D’Huez on August 6.

Despite fears that his season – and potentially longer - was over, he somehow returned to competitive racing in under two months.

The FTP (Fulfil the Potential) Race Team rider ensured his comeback was one to remember by posting a time of 20-03 to win from Owen Burgess (UF Rowe and King) who set 20-10, while third place went to Anthony Jones of VMCC Powered by Y Beic in a time of 20-18 to complete the podium.

On his crash, Gibbard said: “I was seriously injured riding in France in August when I crashed descending Alpe D’Huez and was airlifted to hospital.

“I had hoped to get fit enough to race before the end of the season as I knew it would be harder to come back next year.

“I managed to get myself fit enough to be competitive and I was very pleased to win beating two great riders in Owen and Anthony.

“It was very windy and I hadn’t ridden the time trial bike much so I was super nervous so I’m very thankful the race was incident free.”

The women’s race saw Emons (…a3crg) set 23-48 on her first ever ride of the course, ahead of Port Talbot Wheelers pair Emma Davies and Hollie Labunsky, who finished in 25-07 and 25-08 respectively in what was an epic tussle between clubmates.

After the race, Emons said: “This is the first time I’ve ridden a 10 on this course, and with the less than favourable winds in both directions and also battling an injury it made for a challenging ride.

“This is my last event for the season so I am delighted to have finished it with the win. Thank you to Cardiff 100 miles RCC for putting on the event.”

Luke Allen, of Team Enable – MI Racing, was quickest road bike and tenth overall in 21-41.

This event, run on the R10/17 course, starts just north of Llangattock Nigh Usk and heads eastbound on the A40, reaching the Raglan roundabout then turning and head back directly along the same route to finish in the same place as 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:

Open:

1. Christopher Gibbard (FTP Fulfil the Potential Race Team)           20.03

2. Owen Burgess (UF Rowe and King)          20.10

3. Anthony Jones (VMCC Powered by Y Beic)         20.18

4. Daniel Wyatt (Hereford and District Wheelers)     20.48

5. Anthony Neads (PDQ Cycle Coaching)     21.01

6. Tony Chapman (Frome and District Wheelers)      21.11

7. Peter Lindfield (Velotik Racing Team)       21.13

8. John O’Dwyer (Velo Club Bristol) 21.15

9. Stuart Day (Team Echelon) 21.25

10. Luke Allen (Team Enable – M.I. Racing) 21.41

Women:

1. Claire Emons (…a3crg)      23.48

2. Emma Davies (Port Talbot Wheelers)        25.07

3. Hollie Labunsky (Port Talbot Wheelers)    25.08

4. Deborah Sheridan (…a3crg)           26.02

5. Joanne Legge-Knight (Bristol South CC)  28.54

6. Rachel Green (Cheltenham and County CC)         30.19

7. Arja Scarsbrook (Team Echelon)    32.47