Ganna, the two-time world champion in the discipline, completed the 13.9 kilometres course in a time of 15min 17sec.

He enjoyed an 11 second cushion to second placed Remco Evanepoel of Belgium, who started his general classification campaign in this International Cycling Union World Tour event impressively.

Evanepoel is expected to battle Slovenia’s two-time Tour de France winner and the defending Tirreno-Adriatico champion Tadej Pogačar.

Pogačar, winner of the Strade Bianche on Saturday (March 5), was third on the stage at 18 seconds down.

Denmark’s Kasper Asgreen and Britain’s Alex Dowsett completed the top five on the stage at 24 and 25 seconds behind the winner, respectively.

"I wanted to do well today because this is a very important race for me and for the team," said Ineos Grenadiers rider Ganna.

"In the first section there was a lot of headwind but then after the U-turn the wind was favourable and I was able to push harder.

"Tomorrow there is a stage for sprinters and we will see if I will be able to defend this jersey.

"In the next few days I will support the team leaders, Richard Carapaz and Richie Porte and if my legs allow it I will try to show myself up front again."

The seven-stage race in Italy is due to continue tomorrow with a 219km route from Camaiore to Sovicille before concluding on Sunday (March 13).