Aaron Gwin, riding for Trek World Racing, wins the thrilling World Cup opening round at Pietermaritzburg South Africa.

Aaron Gwin is on fire, “large and in charge” as the commentator was fond of saying. I seriously thought the timing had broken when his split came up, 7 seconds ahead of Peaty who was in the hot seat.The Parkin Bros who film for Trek had tipped Gwinny from the start, saying he is a machine. Gwin told us he came into this race with a fun, relaxed approach-don’t stress…it’s only a bike race mentality. He’s obviously super relaxed and fast as you like. An amazing first World Cup win for Aaron Gwin.

Greg Minnaar must have had a lot of pressure on him all week. Local lad, favourite to win, all the media attention must have been difficult.

Gee Atherton certainly happy with a 3rd, he admits he didn’t like the track and usually doesn’t start the season well.

Barel stoked with 4th place. This is his first World Cup for about a year and a half.

Peaty sat in the hot seat for a long time, finished in 5th with a podium, good result seeing as he had a chest infection all week.

Steve Smith pumped with a 6th place just a tenth off the podium.

Bryceland ran clipped in for the finals, big style over the “Money maker” hip, happy with 10th.

Camelini who qualified 3rd suffered from a jammed gear cable at the start hut, this left him unable to change gear and struggled all the way down.

Fastest qualifier Mick Hannah had a big off during his run, that’s all I know at the moment.

Junior rider Troy Brosnan had an amazing ride finishing just outside the top 20 and only 4 seconds off a podium.

Click for full mens Pietermaritzburg World Cup Final results