Dominic Schils exploded on the cycling circuit with a stunning victory - by nearly a minute - in a prestigious national event.

The 12-year-old, from Colchester, produced his best performance in the saddle so far to claim the coveted British Schools National Road Cycling Championship.

He made sure his rivals would not forget him by winning the event - held in London - by a staggering 58 seconds.

And, to make his exploits even more impressive, he afterwards admitted the seven-mile distance was not his favoured discipline.

He said: "I'm a strong rider and prefer to do a distance of about 25 miles.

"I do like to attack from the start, though, and that's what helped me win this race."

Representing his school, St Benedicts in Colchester, Schils - whose dad was a former professional - broke away from the start of the seven-lap event.

The chasing pack had to muster everything they could to try and keep up with Schils, but were simply left in his dust as he went on to lap tail-enders.

Schils hopes the event will lead to more success later in the year.

His next aim is a week-long competition during July in Holland.

Published Thursday June 10, 2004

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