THE SIDELINES : Briton Leads in Cycling Race

British cyclist Chris Walker, racing alone for the last 46 miles, won the first stage of the Milk Race by more than a minute over teammate and compatriot Dave Rayner.

Walker finished the 114-mile stage from Land’s End to Plymouth in 4 hours, 42 minutes, 50 seconds. He is also the overall leader by 54 seconds over Briton Cayn Theakston, who won Sunday’s prologue.

Walker, who races for the Banana-Falcon team, was by himself for the final third of the stage after shaking off East German Hardy Groeger.

Earlier, Jeff Winkler of Bakersfield, Calif., broke clear of the field near the resort town of St. Ives. He was joined by New Zealand’s Gavin Stevens, but they were caught by the pack after their lead had reached two minutes.

Matt Burinda of Redlands, Calif., dropped out in the first 20 miles with tendon trouble.