Usain Bolt got his season off to a flying start with a win in the 400m at Jamaica's Camperdown Classic, the first race of the year.

The world 100m and 200m record holder won in a time of 46.35 seconds with fellow Jamaicans Yohan Blake in second and Ricardo Chambers third place.

"The first 300 meters of the race was good, but the last 100 meters need some work," Bolt said.

"I am not really in the best of shape, but I'm happy I got through it."

Running in lane five, Bolt recovered from a slow start to coast past his challengers at the National Stadium East event.

Bolt, 22, slowed in the last 50m and smiled looking right and left as he crossed the finish line but he refrained from his customary dance at the finish, opting instead for a rubdown from his masseuse.