The Italian has enjoyed a head-to-head battle with Slovakia’s Peter Sagan in the sprint stages of the International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race to date.

Three-time world champion Sagan emerged as the winner on stage three before Olympic gold medallist Viviani gained revenge yesterday.

The duo battled for victory for the third successive stage as the sprint teams controlled the 177 kilometres stage, which began in Münchenstein.

The teams kept the breakaway within reach throughout the day and eventually caught its final members with around 30km to go.

It led to another bunch sprint with Viviani and Sagan emerging as the fastest finishers again.

Vivani had speed to hold off his Slovakian rival in the final metres and take the stage victory in a time of 4 hours 18min 26sec.

Bora-Hansgrohe rider Sagan was awarded the same time as the runner-up, while Belgian’s Jasper Stuyven placed third.

Sagan retained the overall race lead with the Slovakian star boasting a 14 second advantage over second place Michael Matthews of Australia.

The general classification is expected to change tomorrow with the 120km mountain stage from Einsiedeln to Flumserberg likely to bring the main contenders to the fore.

Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas had expected to be among them but the Briton crashed out of the race yesterday.

Team Ineos have now confirmed that Thomas has been given the all-clear following the crash, which saw the 33-year-old sustain abrasions on his shoulder and a cut above his right eye.

Thomas claimed it was a small setback for his Tour de France preparations and expressed confidence he would be ready for the second Grand Tour of the season due to begin on July 6.