A series of bad headlines have circled around the Polish rider’s team as they continue to be questioned UK Anti-Doping and the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee over the contents of a “mystery package” given to Sir Bradley Wiggins during the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine.

But in Italy, the 2014 world road race champion managed to out-sprint the five-time Tour de France green jersey winner Peter Sagan of Slovakia to top the podium of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour.

He navigated the 291 kilometre course in a time of 7 hours 8min 39sec and timed his finish perfectly from Sagan, racing for the Bora-Hansgrohe team, and France’s Julian Alaphilippe from Quick-Step Floors.

Heading into the final downhill section, Sagan moved off the peloton and was followed by Kwiatkowski and Alaphilippe.

He was the first to start the sprint as the finish neared, but he was reeled in by the Pole, who said the current world road race champion does not scare him.

“I’m probably in a better position than most of the other riders to race against Sagan because we’ve competed together since we were juniors,” the 26-year-old said.

“Half of the bunch thinks he’s from another planet, but I truly believe he’s beatable. 

“He was impressive on the Poggio but, wearing the rainbow jersey, he was in the worst situation, because he was the main target.”

It was Kwiatkowski’s second win in Italy this month on the UCI World Tour, having come first in the Strade Bianche on March 4.