The Team Sky rider was confirmed to have missed selection for Giro d'Italia squad earlier today, but the 28-year-old produced a fine response by displaying his sprinting abilities at the close of today’s stage in Switzerland.

The Italian timed his effort impressively to claim the victory in a time of 4 hours, 27min and 42sec.

He was followed across the line by fellow Italian Sonny Colbrelli and Germany’s Michael Schwarzmann, with the pair awarded the same time as the victor.

The stage had begun with an early breakaway group being established, which included Thomas De Gendt of Belgium.

De Gendt was one of the most active riders in the seven-man move, but they were spent up with 35km left of racing.

An attack by Australia’s Simon Clarke, Switzerland’s Sebastien Reichenbach, France’s Arnaud Courteille and Belgium’s Tosh Van der Sande swiftly followed, but the quartet were quickly caught.

Britain’s Alex Dowsett also attempted to upset the sprinters with a solo effort, but was caught in the final three kilometres, with Viviani ultimately taking the win.

Prologue winner Fabio Felline of Italy retained the race lead, with the Trek-Segafredo rider still eight seconds clear of Maximilian Schachmann of Germany and Spain’s Jesus 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, remains 29sec behind the race leader.

The three-time Tour de France champion was surprisingly involved in Viviani’s lead out for the sprint, ultimately aiding his team-mate’s triumph.

Racing will continue tomorrow with a 163km mountain stage from Domdidier to Leysin.