The 25-year-old is more commonly associated with sprinting but had showed his ability to climb during the 2015 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships in Richmond, where he claimed a silver medal.

He was able to show that same form throughout the 6.1 kilometre course in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, which officially got the race underway, with seven stages due to follow.

Matthews was able to cross the line in a winning time of 7min 39sec to secure the victory and the first yellow jersey of the WorldTour race.

Pre-race favourite Tom Dumoulin was eventually forced to settle for second place after the Dutchman, who rides for the Giant Alpecin team, finished one second adrift of Matthews.

Dumoulin, who won two stages at last year’s Vuelta a España, was a further second ahead of New Zealand’s national time trial champion Patrick Bevin.

“It's really a great start to the season,” said Matthews after his win.

“I was thinking a top five was possible on a course like this, it was hilly, with lots of technical corners, which suits me.

“I had high hopes but I didn't think I could win this.

“The next few stages are flat sprints so I should be able to keep the jersey.”

Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas was one of the highest place contenders for the overall victory as the Briton finished nine seconds behind the leader, while his former team-mate Richie Porte was a further second behind.

The Australian is aiming to defend his Paris-Nice title in his first season for BMC Racing.

Spain’s Alberto Contador and France’s Romain Bardet are 16 and 25 seconds behind Matthews respectively.

The opening stage of the race will see a 198km route from Condé-sur-Vesgre to Vendôme, which is expected to end with a sprint finish.