Simon Yates secured the overall victory at Tirreno-Adriatico ©Tirreno-Adriatico

Simon Yates held off British compatriot Geraint Thomas to secure the Tirreno-Adriatico title and boost his hopes ahead of the upcoming Giro d’Italia.

The Mitchelton-Scott rider finished 17th in the 10-kilometre time trial in San Benedetto del Tronto today.

But it was enough to seal top spot as Thomas, of Ineos, finished fourth, leaving him 17 seconds behind Yates in the overall standings.

Thomas’ showing saw him overtake Rafal Majka, of Bora–Hansgrohe, into second position as the Polish rider completed the top three.

Italy’s Filippo Ganna, of Ineos, won the stage after posting an impressive time of 10 min, 42 sec.

Belgian Victor Campenaerts, of NTT Pro Cycling, came second with Australian Rohan Dennis, of Ineos, finishing third.

Yates will now turn his attention towards the Giro d’Italia which runs from October 3 to 25.

"I’m a different rider now compared to how I was in 2018," Yates said.

"I’m older, I’ve gained more experience and I’ve learnt how to deal with stress.

"I think I showed this at the Tirreno-Adriatico.

"I can manage situations better now and stay calm. I think the team trusts me more now as a result.

"Today I rode a great time trial. I wasn’t sure how much time I could have won or lost against Thomas and Majka.

"Sometimes I’m good against the clock, but it’s so difficult to say ahead of time.

"After this result, I’m looking forward to resting up for a few days. Then I’ll be doing some targeted training for the Giro to push my form ahead of the race’s start.

"Some big mountains are coming up at the Giro so I would like to do some altitude training."

Thomas said he was pleased with how this week went in preparation for the Giro d’Italia.

"I feel like I’ll be stronger at the Giro, but so many others will be too," Thomas added.

"The time trial went well. I paced it pretty well.

"Perhaps I had a few more seconds in the bank, but not 17 seconds so that makes me feel better about missing out on the win overall.

"I’m really excited about riding the Giro now.

"The Astana guys are going to be a big threat, Wilco Kelderman too.

"There are lots of big names and very strong teams.

"[Vincenzo] Nibali will be better at the Giro too, definitely.

"It’s going to be very competitive."