Burry Stander and Christoph Sauser (36ONE Songo Specialized) won the Absa Cape Epic’s opening prologue to start stage one in the zebra-striped leaders’ jerseys.

The South African/Swiss duo clocked 1:02.40.7 over the 27km course in Tokai Forest, part of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town.

Hannes Genze and Jochen Käss (Multivan Merida Biking) finished second in 1:04.22.9, while three-time winners Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm started the defence of their title by claiming third in 1:04.35.6.

“This course definitely suited us,” said Stander. “It’s the best stage we’ve ever had – we’re cross country riders. It also suited our bikes. We were riding full suspension 29ers which helped us close time on the flat section.

“Susi (his team mate’s nickname) was hurting me today and I had to slow him down a few times. Usually I lead at the start, but as soon as we hit the first climb he was leading and did so for about 80 per cent of the way.”

Reigning cross-country world champion José Hermida and team-mate Ralph Näf finished fifth behind South African 360LIFE team Kevin Evans and David George.

Hermida said: “It was a really good day for us. It’s been a long time since we trained together, so we had to get our co-ordination together and it seemed to come easy.

“It was a good race and technical, which we like. It was a great feeling crossing the finish line and to be on the podium. So this year I’m not just here for entertainment, but to race.”

Meanwhile, Eva Lechner and Nathalie Schneitter (Colnago Arreghini Südtirol) claimed the honours in the women’s race, clocking 1:20.20.1.

Sally Bigham and Karien Van Jaarsveld (USN) took second in 1:26.37.6, while Naomi Hansen and Jodie Willett (adidas) completed the podium in 1:26.56.9.

Great Britain’s world downhill champion, riding with Anka Martin for Downhillers for World Bicycle Relief, finished 13th in 1:37.31.3.

She said: “The rest of the week will definitely be tougher. It’s nice to finally be here and get going. The atmosphere is awesome – families are having picnics in the forest and we even passed two baboons which of course made my day.”

Stage one tackles a 90km Saronsberg/Tulbagh loop, with 2,050m of ascent. Head to www.cape-epic.com for live rider tracking and full results.