The peloton was forced to cope with wet and cold conditions during the stage, which featured five categorised climbs.

A six-man group escaped at the start of the day's riding, with the move instigated by Belgium's Sander Armée and The Netherlands' Marco Minnaard.

Despite their best efforts, the breakaway was unable to provide a major threat to the peloton, who were able to close in during the final kilometres of the stage.

The break was caught with seven kilometres remaining, with the Czech Republic’s Roman Kreuziger and Dutch rider Robert Gesink among those to launch late attacks from the main field.

Their accelerations led to a reduced bunch contesting the stage victory, with Albasini coming through to take the win in a time of 4 hours, 33min and 10sec.

He was followed across the line by Italy's Diego Ulissi and Spain's Jesus Herrada, who were among a cluster of riders given the same time as the winner.

The general classification leader remains unchanged, with prologue winner Fabio Felline of Italy having finished in the lead group.

The Trek-Segafredo rider is eight seconds clear of his nearest challenger Maximilian Schachmann of Germany and Herrada.

Slovenia's Primoz Roglic is the highest placed of the pre-race favourites at nine seconds off the lead.

Britain’s Chris Froome, the 2013 and 2014 winner, lies 29 seconds off the lead.

Australia's Richie Porte and the United States' Tejay Van Garderen are 33 and 34 seconds off the pace respectively.

The Tour de Romandie is part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour.

Racing will continue tomorrow with a 160.7km stage from Champéry to Bulle.