Taddei Pogachar was hoping to close the gap to Remco Evenpole to 10-20 seconds in the opening time trial of Tirreno-Adriatico.

At Sunday's pre-race press conference, Pogachar appeared to be fatigued after his 50km solo attack and crushing victory at Strade Bianche, but an additional 24 hours of rest seemed to help greatly.

He often pushed his gears in big gears as he raced at over 53.5 km/h on the 13.9 km out-and-back course along the Lido di Camaiore seafront, stopping the clock at 15:35 to end the stage as the last rider to complete it.

Evenepoel crossed the finish line a few minutes earlier, clocking 15:28.

"It was a really intense TT. It was a bumpy road and a super fast course. But I had a good run. I'm happy with my time and power. I'm looking forward to the future." Pogachar said after being charged with anti-doping behind the podium, where Ganna celebrated his victory and Evenpoel wore the white jersey of the best young rider.

This year's Tirreno-Adriatico already looks like a battle between Pogachar and Evenpoel. Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) lost 14 seconds to Pogachar, Richard Calapaz (Ineos Grenadier) 19 seconds, Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo Visma) 25 seconds, and Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step Alfavinil) 30 seconds.

These two have often dominated the stage races over the past two years, but incredibly never in a direct confrontation. The next six stages from Tirreno-Adriatico will be the first showdown between two of the sport's biggest young talents.

Pogachar admits that he faces a real battle to win his second consecutive Tirreno-Adriatico title and the winner's trophy.

The battle for time bonuses each day will play a part, and the uphill finishes to Bellante and Fermo will no doubt be a battle of power, nerve, and bike skills. Stage 6 will likely decide the overall winner, as the stage climbs Carpeña twice before finishing with a fast descent.

"There are big days ahead, and I think all six days will be hard," Pogachar warned.

"The last day may be easy, but we have an extra hard week ahead of us."