Tadej Pogachar (UAE Team Emirates) may have admitted on Sunday that he was feeling the effects of his long solo run to victory in Stradhe Bianche the day before, but given his previous history, time trial world champion Filippo Ganna ( Ineos Grenadiers), it's not enough to stop the Tirreno-Adriatico opening round individual time trial competitors from being wary of his direction.

"We all know what Taddei is capable of and I hope he is tired from yesterday's Strade Bianche," Ganna said. He's always proven he's in great shape and he's arriving at the start of the race in great form."

The 13.9km flat Ludo di Camaiore time trial, the start of the seven-day race, will be run along a mostly straight route along the Tuscan coast, except for a turnaround on the out-and-back course.

Ganna, who has won two of the three time trials so far this season, will likely be at or near the top of the leaderboard on Monday after the opening stage, but will then look to work for his teammates.

Ineos Grenadiers will focus on the overall fight, along with Richard Kalapas and Richie Porte. The Australian rider, who is retiring at the end of the season, has cited this race as the one he wants to win before ending his career.

"It's hard to think I can keep up with Taddeusi on the climbs. There are better riders and better climbers than me and it's my job to help them," Ganna said.

Ineos Grenadiers' overall contenders will face not only Pogachar, 23, but also 22-year-old Remco Evenpole (Quick Step Alfavinil).

It will be the first time the Belgian has lined up on the same stage as two-time Tour de France winner Lemko Evenpole (Quick Step-Alfavinil), opening up a fascinating competition between two of the hottest names in the new generation of riders.

"Maybe in 10 years, after the success of Taddeji, Remco, and others, people will talk about a special generation of riders," 25-year-old Ganna told the Gazzetta dello Sport." I feel part of it and I want to do as well as they do."

"But first I have to write history before I can look back and enjoy it."