TOM Couzens pushed himself to the limit as he turned an ambitious solo breakaway into the biggest win of his young career.

The 17-year-old, from Bicester, struggled with cramp and was physically sick during his charge at the Monmouthshire Junior Grand Prix.

But it proved successful for Couzens, who rides for the Oxford-based Zappi Racing, as he finished more than 90 seconds clear.

The field had absorbed several failed breaks on the undulating Welsh roads early in the 77-mile National Series race.

An attack on the descent out of Grosmont spearheaded by Couzens saw a group of four escape and build up a commanding lead.

But with more than 18 miles remaining, he opted to go it alone by making another move.

It was a bold decision with two big climbs still remaining, but he caught the other trio by surprise and built up a 100-second lead.

While the aggressive break took its toll physically, the chasers were unable to close the gap.

It was the best victory to date for the Bicester School pupil, who has made significant progress in a season which has also included top-five finishes against top-class fields in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Couzens had little time to savour the success, as he travelled to Spain for the five-stage Junior Tour of the Basques Country, which started yesterday.