Austrian Rene Haselbacher from Team Safindit.co.za Invitation was the first cyclist across the finish line at the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Giro del Capo, which kicked off in Wellington on Tuesday.

Malcolm Lange (Team Medscheme) and Burry Stander (Team Specialized) came second and third respectively.

"It was a good first day. The race started off a little wet. There were very nasty crosswinds during the first 40kms and this split the bunch up quite a bit," commented David Bellairs, Co-Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.

The 106km circular route is a constant climb and provided the 20 teams participating in the Giro with a tough start to the week.

On Wednesday cyclists set off at 9am from Vissershok Road, Durbanville for a 143km race.

The Stage 1 Results for the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Giro del Capo are as follows:

1. Rene Haselbacher - Team Safindit.co.za Invitation (2.30.40)
2. Malcolm Lange - Team Medscheme (2.30.41)
3. Burry Stander - Team Specialized (2.30.46)

Pickford Points: 1. Malcolm Lange (Team Medscheme) 11
2. Rene Haselbacher (Team Safindit.co.za Invitation) 10
3. Burry Stander (Team Specialized) 4

Powerade King of the Mountains: 1. Waylon Woolcock (Team Medscheme) 12 pts
2. David George (Team Safindit.co.za Invitation) 10 pts
3. Burry Stander (Team Specialized) 8 pts