A team trial was being held for the first time in the Tirreno–Adriatico’s 51-year history, with 23 teams tackling the 22.7 kilometres route.

The Belgian registered Etixx - Quick Step team put themselves into contention for the stage victory, as Germany’s three-time world time trial champion Tony Martin helped guide them to a time of 23min 57sec.

Their time was expected to be challenged by the American BMC Racing team and the reigning world champions snatched victory, finishing two seconds quicker than their rivals.

As Italy’s Daniel Oss was the first to cross the finishing line, he became the first recipient of the race leader’s blue jersey at the seven-stage race.

"It wasn’t a priority to discuss who’d cross the line first as we were busy putting a winning strategy together, I represent the team who won today," he said. 

“It’s my first time leading the overall classification of a WorldTour race.

“It’s an honour, a privilege, a satisfaction, but I remember that last year this jersey was worn by [currently injured rider] Adriano Malori, so I dedicate part of this jersey to him.

“The team time trial was our first goal but the main one is the final overall classification with Tejay van Garderen.”

Stage two is due to see the peloton tackle a 207km route from Camaiore to Pomarance, with the stage finish expected to suit Slovakia’s Peter Sagan, the world road race champion.

Racing was forced to be halted at Paris-Nice after 75km of the 166km route from Cusset to Mont Brouilly.

A breakaway of France’s Alexis Gougeard, Luxembourg’s Laurent Didier, Kazakhstan’s Alexy Lutsenko, Belgium’s Thomas De Gendt and Spain’s Jesus Herrada had all been part of a breakaway which had built a lead of three-and-a-half minutes.

With snow falling, however, race organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) were forced to postpone racing in an event that is part of the International Cycling Union WorldTour, due to the roads becoming increasingly slippery.

A restart further down the course had been proposed but, as conditions deteriorated further, racing was cancelled for the day.

"The road was extremely slippery and the safety was no longer guaranteed, we are sorry,” said Christian Prudhomme, cycling director of ASO.

“That's Paris-Nice, we promise we'll come back to Mont-Brouilly.

"It's a pity but the riders will start again tomorrow from Julienas.”

It meant that Australia’s Michael Matthews retained his 14-second lead over The Netherlands’ Tom Dumoulin heading into stage four.

Tomorrow’s 193km stage from Julienas to Romans-sur-Isère will likely favour the sprinters due to its flat profile.