The 27-year-old, riding for the Etixx-QuickStep, was handed a boost prior to the start of the 167 kilometres stage, when the organisers were forced to alter the start of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour race.

Due to snow on the Col d’Etroits, the first of four major climbs on the stage was removed, leaving the route reduced to just 109km.

A breakaway group consisting of Belgium’s Sander Armee, Switzerland’s Nico Brüngger and The Netherlands’ Marco Minnaard aimed to establish an advantage on the peloton during the early stages of the race.

With shortened course, the main field refused to allow the trio to establish a strong lead, which only peaked at four minutes.

Armee eventually opted to move clear of his companions but the Lotto Soudal rider was caught on the final descent of the day at 12km to the finish in Moudon.

Having caught the sole survivor of the breakaway, Etixx-QuickStep looked to position Kittel for the sprint finish and the German delivered by crossing the line first in 2 hours 27min 46sec.

The German led home Italy’s Niccolo Bonifazio and Switzerland’s Michael Albasini, who finished in the same time as the victor.

There were no major changes in the overall race standings following the sprint, with yesterday’s prologue winner Jon Izagirre remaining in the leader’s yellow jersey.

The Spaniard retained a six-second lead over Dutch star Tom Dumoulin, while Britain’s Geraint Thomas is a further second back in third.

Tomorrow is due see the first mountain stage of the race with the peloton due to race a 174km route from Moudon to Morgins.