Etixx - Quick-Step riders Niki Terpstra and Rigoberto Uran, in the 5.4km ITT that replaced an original TTT due to adverse weather conditions (wind), finished 12th and 18th, down 8" and 10" respectively.

Adriano Malori (Lampre-Merida) posted the winning time, crossing the line at 6'04" (53.407km/h). Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) finished a second slower than Malori, and Greg Van Avermaet 2" down in 3rd.

Etixx - Quick-Step looks next to a flat Stage 2 on Thursday, which covers 153km from Camaiore to Cascina.

"I am happy about my performance," Uran, the GC leader of Etixx - Quick-Step going into the race, said. "It's a good start for me. I prefer longer distances, but even with a shorter distance I gave everthing. I have to say I had a good feeling on the bike, so I am satisfied with my result. I am looking forward to the next stages. We put a few seconds between us and the main competitors, but it doesn't mean much as the most important stages are ahead of us."