Rob Britton wins in California

Victoria, B.C.’s Rob Britton has kicked off the 2011 season with a win in the opening stage of the Merco Cycling Classic in California.

Britton, 26, was part of a Bissell Pro Cycling sweep of the podium on the hilly 130-km circuit race in the Sierra Nevada foothills

“Regardless of what time of year you win a race, it’s always great for the team morale – but to start the season with the top three and have the whole team riding well, everyone would want that kind of a start,” said Bissell assistant director Burke Swindlehurst.

Britton will defend his lead Friday in the second stage, a 19.2-km time trial.