Peter Sagan had the worst possible start to the 2022 season, with his January training ruined by a second onset of COVID-19 and his recent illness keeping him out of shape as his classic rivals opened the season with a March stage race.

But a chance to sprint, a chance to show off his superior bike skills in a hectic peloton, and suddenly he was sprinting for the win at the front on the second Tirreno-Adriatico stage, Sovichile.

Sagan, with excellent support from his new teammates in Total Energies, surfed the peloton on a slight descent in the last 3km as the other sprint teams lined up on either side. The road was narrow and Elia Viviani (Ineos Grenadiers) and Caleb Yuan (Lotto Soudal) dropped out of the lead group.

However, Sagan emerged from the chaos in the last kilometer and suddenly took the lead in the sweet spot in the middle of the road. When Quick-Step Alphavini pulled Davide Ballerini to the front and led the sprint, Sagan quickly jumped on the Italian's wheel and passed him with 100 meters to go.

For a moment, Sagan had the finish line and victory in his sights. But there is no talent in professional sprinting, and as Sagan's power was replaced by lactic acid, Tim Merlier (Alepsin-Phoenix) leaped from his wheel and raced across the finish line to win.

Twenty-year-old Olaf Kooi (Jumbo Visma) again took second place after a similar result on the UAE Tour.

Sagan did not make the podium and there was no awards ceremony.

"What can I say? It could have been better, but it could have been worse," Sagan said.

"They were really strong and came from behind with speed.

"I have to thank everyone on the team for their support. The most important thing was to stay ahead in the last three kilometers. That's how I was able to come out on top."

Sagan did not have much else to say, but his expectations were higher than his current form. His positioning was impressive, although he could not sprint much. Merlier agreed.

"With 500m to go he was on my right. We weren't fighting, but I wanted to be on the same wheel," said Merlier. I knew there was still a long way to go, so I let him pass me. I let him pass me because I knew I still had a long way to go, and I got off his wheel and won. I'm glad I was able to beat him