Usain Bolt said he was happy to have blown away the cobwebs after winning his comeback race following a nine-month lay-off.

The 24-year-old world record holder was a little ragged but still proved too hot for compatriot Asafa Powell as he claimed Golden Gala honours in Rome, in 9.91sec, late Thursday.

Powell finished second in 9.93 as Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre took third in 10sec dead. Bolt admitted he wasn’t entirely happy with his performance but said at least he’d come through the race unscathed.

And despite showing off his new brawn, he said it was too early to tell what effect that would have on his performances.

“I don’t think I should judge (Thursday), I was a little bit nervous,” he said.

“It was just to get the cobwebs out and it will be in the next race to determine if the (new bigger) muscles are working. But I got through the race injury-free so it’s a good start to the season.

“This was my first race for nine or 10 months, that’s why the nerves were there but I got through it.

“I had a bad start, I didn’t do so well in transition but the good thing is that I got through injury-free and I look forward to the next race.”

Powell said it was normal to feel nerves at the start of the season and he seemed philosophical after his defeat. The former world record-holder was well in front midway through the race but Bolt hunted him down over the last 20 metres.

“Pretty much this was my first real race (this year) and every sprinter is nervous for his first race so it’s normal,” he said.

An impressive 47,000-strong came out to support the pair, although mostly Bolt.

“I’ve been here a few more times than Usain and this was definitely the most people I’ve seen in this stand,” said Powell.

Bolt added: “It was a great crowd, full of energy. They came to see a clash and I think they will come back next year because I will.”­