Caldicot cyclist thrown from bike in van crash, trial told

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”.