Fernando Gaviria had appeared on the verge of triumphing in the bunch sprint at the conclusion of the 133-kilometre opening stage in Lido di Camaiore.

The Colombian was passed metres from line by Ackermann, who successfully found a gap between his rival and the barriers to power through to earn the stage victory.

"It was an incredible victory in the first stage of a beautiful race," Ackermann said.

"Thanks to all my team that worked for me, I am very happy.

"I did a good sprint, I think I managed to win because I kept pushing until the final metre."

The Bora-Hansgrohe rider took the overall race lead following the stage victory, ahead of Gaviria and third-placed Magnus Cort Nielsen of Denmark.

The sprinters’ teams had set up the finish by catching breakaway riders Simon Pellaud of Switzerland and Germany’s Paul Martens as the race dipped under 20km to go.

Sprinters are expected to have another chance to secure a stage win tomorrow, with a flat 201km route taking them from Camaiore to Follonica.

The general classification battle is then expected to be the focus with stage three featuring a hilly route, before two mountain stages.

The eight-stage race in Italy is due to conclude on September 14 with an individual time trial.

The race is typically held in March prior to the Giro d’Italia, but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Riders seeking to prepare for rescheduled Giro and the Vuelta a España feature in the field, including Ineos Grenadiers’ British stars Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome.

Thomas is expected to compete Giro d’Italia and Froome the Vuelta a España, after the pairing were left out of Ineos Grenadiers’ squad for the ongoing Tour de France.

Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali and Britain’s Simon Yates are among the participants at Tirreno-Adriatico as they prepare for Grand Tours later this season.