Rogers ready for next level after winning Tour of California

THREE-time world time trial champion Michael Rogers repelled all-comers to claim the Tour of California title.

CHAMPAGNE MOMENT: Michael Rogers enjoys the sweet taste of victory, with former champion Levi Leipheimer in the background after he settled for third at the Tour of California (Getty Images)

Rogers started the eighth and final stage with a slender lead and his HTC-Colombia team had to be on their guard as rivals from Garmin-Transitions and Radio Shack repeatedly tried to put their men in the mix.

However, there was no change to the overnight classification with Australian Rogers claiming a nine-second victory over American David Zabriskie while Levi Leipheimer, who was seeking a fourth California title, settled for third.

Canada's Ryder Hesjedel won the stage, after four circuits of a route that included the famous Mulholland Highway.

Rogers - whose only previous multi-stage win was at the Tour of Andulucia - believes the victory underlines the growing strength of his team.

And he believes he is ready to mount a challenge at more prestigious races.

"In the past couple of years, thanks to Mark Cavendish and Andre Greipel, we've been known more as a sprinter's team than one that can win multi-stage races," he said.

"We've won small stage races but this win takes us to the next level. We are developing as a unit to win stage races, not just sprint finishes.

"The guys here showed they are capable of supporting me in the mountains and that bodes well for the Tour de France."