Clement early time trial leader

<p>SOLVANG — Stef Clement (Rabobank) of The Netherlands, the third-place finisher last year in the time trial World Championships, posted the best early time Friday in the sixth stage of the Tour of California.</p><p>Clement, who began the stage in 83rd position overall, completed the 15-mile hilly individual time trial course in warm and sunny conditions in 31 minutes and 23 seconds.</p><p>Rory Sutherland (OUCH) of Australia has the second-best time, 32:06, and Christophe Riblon (AG2R) of France is currently third, with a time of 32:22.</p><p>Levi Leipheimer of Santa Rosa, who has led the fourth annual race since Monday, is scheduled as the last rider on the course beginning at 2:07 p.m., a slight adjustment from Thursday’s preliminary starting schedule. He won the same time trial last year in 30:46.</p><p>Clement, the 26th of 108 starters, also posted the fastest halfway time, 19:43.</p>