Team GB triathlete killed when van driver ‘smashed into her from behind during cycling race’
A TEAM GB triathlete was killed when a van driver smashed into her from behind during a cycling race, a court heard.
Rebecca Comins, 52, was riding on a clear sunny day with a flashing light attached to her bike when the tragedy unfolded.
The mum-of-two was sent flying through the air after Vasile Barbu struck her from behind on a dual carriageway, jurors heard.
Sadly, Rebecca couldn’t be saved and was declared dead shortly after the June 2022 horror.
Cardiff Crown Court heard how she had been taking part in a time trial cycling race organised by local club Monmouthshire Wheelers.
Cyclists had been setting off at one minute intervals along the dual carriageway, which had signs in place warning drivers about the race.
Jurors heard Barbu, 49, failed to manoeuvre around Rebecca just moments after he “buzzed” another biker while passing.
After his arrest, the driver was unable to explain how the collision took place and told police he gave the athlete a two-metre gap.
The court heard he accepted he must have collided with Rebecca and admitted causing death by careless driving.
But prosecutor James Wilson said his “devastating and catastrophic failure” to move out of the way amounted to death by dangerous driving.
He added: “Rebecca Comins was there to be seen. Visibility was good, she was cycling with a bright rear light so was clearly obvious to other witnesses.
“This was not a momentary misjudgement or lack of concentration. From the road and the weather conditions and how conspicuous she would have been, the defendant’s failure to avoid colliding into the back of Mrs Comins was a gross, catastrophic failure which amounted to dangerous driving.
“His dangerous driving caused the death of Mrs Comins.”
Rebecca, known as Becky, had represented Great Britain in both European and world championships.
She came ninth in the 2018 Tartu ETU Triathlon European Championships, and 30th in the 2019 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Lausanne.
At the time of her death, she was the Vintage Veteran Champion of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series.
Rebecca had also represented Wales the weekend before the crash.
In a touching tribute, her family said: “Our beautiful Rebecca was taken from us on Thursday, June 2 doing something she loved.
“She was a caring and loving wife to Stephen and an amazing mum to both George and Millie.
“We ask people to respect our privacy at this sad time and allow us to grieve as a family.”
Barbu, of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, denies causing death by dangerous driving.
The trial continues.
