Intro:

American Aaron Gwin won the opening UCI Mountainbike World Cup downhill race of the season in Pietermaritzburg in South Africa, on Saturday. Mick Hannah (AUS) and Greg Minnaar (SA) finished second and third respectively.

Script:

The UCI Mountainbike World Cup season began in Pietermaritzburg in South Africa, on Saturday.

After a disappointing 2013 season, American Aaron Gwin made a return to the top flight with victory in the downhill.

The double World Cup champion made the most of defending champion Steve Smith's absence through injury to claim his first World Cup victory since 2012.

Mick Hannah of Australia pulled off a second-place finish despite performing poorly in qualifying.

The 31-year-old's first job was a lawn mowing contractor but he made sure this physically demanding course didn't cut him up today.

Defending downhill world champion and South African Greg Minnaar made the most of the home support to power his way to the third podium spot.

The Santa Cruz Syndicate rider is still recovering from a serious knee surgery but the 32-year-old is set to challenge for the title once again.