64 kilometres and a sunny, idyllic day were on the menu for riders in Margaret River on stage 1 of the Cape to Cape. But it was tough, technical riding for those out front.
"There was a few lead changes for sure," Johnston said, describing the action. "It's always pretty crazy out there! If you ride near the front you're a lot safer from catching a flying stick or something in your wheel."
Johnston, who conquered all four stages of the Port to Port race earlier this year, bided his time, pouncing at the right moment.
"I made an attack over the top of the big climb on Carters Rd, after letting Kyle Ward lead up the climb, I went around and kept it rolling to the finish."
New Zealand and Oceania cross-country champion, Samara Sheppard was the first woman through. But she admitted it was nowhere near easy.
"Theese races are so, so technical," last year's Cape to Cape overall women's winner said.
"There were some big hills to climb, so much singletrack and I haven't really touched my mountain bike since the world championships in Cairns (in September). "I knew Peta Mullens would be super strong this week when the bunches formed out on the course.
Samara Sheppard was the first woman through at Margaret River on stage 1 of the 2017 Cape to Cape (Flow Mountain Bike/Cape to Cape) Source: Flow Mountain Bike/Cape to Cape
"But in the end the aim of the four days is to spend good time on the bike and have some fun out here, if we achieve that, it's a success. If we take home any prize money, that's all good too!"
Men's Open Results
1. Brendan Johnston - 02:16:17
2. Tasman Nankervis - 02:17:24
3. Kyle Ward - 02:17:25
4. Dan McConnell - 02:18:50
5. Andy Blair - 02:19:04
Women's Open Results
1. Samara Sheppard - 02:33:03
2. Peta Mullens - 02:34:29
3. Renata Bucher - 02:34:33
4. Jessica Simpson - 02:43:25
5. Kathryn McInerney - 02:45:26
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