Maximilian Schachmann leads the Tour of the Basque Country after winning the first stage ©Getty Images

Maximilian Schachmann earned the first leader’s jersey of the Tour of the Basque Country by winning the individual time trial as the race began in Zumarraga.

The German, who rides for Bora-Hansgrohe, produced a superb effort on the challenging 11.3 kilometre course.

Faced with several steep gradients on the route, Schachmann achieved the right mix of pacing and power to set the fastest time.

He crossed the line in 17min and 10sec.

It proved enough to secure the first stage win of the International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race.

Colombia’s Daniel Martínez went closest to challenging the German’s time, but the EF Education First rider eventually ended nine seconds off the pace.

Team Sky’s Michal Kwiatkowski rounded off the top three with the Polish rider finishing a further second behind Martínez.

France’s Julian Alaphilippe and Britain’s Adam Yates fourth and fifth, respectively, to position themselves well for a possible general classification bid.

Reigning Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas, also of Britain, finished 10th.

The Team Sky rider was 30 seconds behind Schachmann.

The six-stage race will continue tomorrow with a 149.5km route from Zumarraga to the finish in Gorraiz.