Cyclist thrown into the air in van crash, court told

Rebecca Comins was a champion triathlete and Ironman competitor

A triathlete taking part in a cycling race was "thrown into the air" and killed after being hit by a van, a court has heard.

Rebecca Comins, 52, from Caldicot, Monmouthshire, died following the crash with a Vauxhall Movano van on the A40 near Raglan on 2 June 2022.

Vasile Barbu, 49, denies causing her death by dangerous driving but has admitted death by careless driving.

On the first day of his trial at Cardiff Crown Court, the jury heard a cyclist close behind Mrs Comins felt Mr Barbu's van had been so close to him he felt "buzzed" by it driving past.

Ms Comins had been taking part in a time trial race organised by Monmouthshire Wheelers cycling club, an event where cyclists set off at one minute intervals.

Prosecutor James Wilson told the jury the visibility that evening was clear and there was "'no glare to affect his view".

He said there were signs to alert drivers that the race was taking place and that each rider had to have a rear red lighted fitted.

The dual carriageway was straight with an "unobstructed view" of more than 500m (1,640ft), meaning a driver going 60mph (97km/h) would have had 18.6 seconds to see objects in the distance, Mr Wilson said.

He added this would have been extended as GPS tracking showed Ms Comins was travelling at about 21mph (38km/h).

"If the defendant was properly observing, he would have had this distance and time to see Ms Comins and avoid hitting her," Mr Wilson said.

Mr Barbu first passed another cyclist who was a few places behind Ms Comins, who said he felt the vehicle get so close to him, he felt "buzzed by the van".

A driver also saw the moment of the crash, seeing "her and the bike being thrown off on to the left and on to the grass verge".

The court was told Ms Comins died of "blunt chest injuries".

Vasile Barbu appeared at Cardiff Crown court on Monday for the first day of his trial

Mr Wilson said Mr Barbu had been "upset" at the scene and told police who arrested and questioned him he had seen the cyclist but could not explain how he hit her.

"I don't know what happened" he said to police.

"I asked myself probably the whole night what happened."

Mr Barbu passed tests at the roadside for drink and drugs.

Mr Barbu told police he heard a "knock" and pulled over because he thought the parcels in his van were moving.

Mr Wilson said the prosecution did not accept Mr Barbu's version of events.

"This was not a momentary misjudgement or lack of concentration," he said.

"The failure to avoid colliding was a gross and catastrophic failure."

The trial continues.