Phil Bauhaus, centre, triumphed in a closely fought sprint finish ©Getty Images

Germany's Phil Bauhaus triumphed in a sprint finish on the third stage of the Abu Dhabi Tour in Big Flag.

The short 133 kilometre stage was expected to offer sprinters a final chance of victory at the International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race.

A four-rider breakaway attempted to defy expectations, but the peloton were able to keep them in check, ultimately catching them with nearly 50km left to race.

Crosswinds threatened to develop echelons for the second consecutive day, but despite a brief split in the peloton, the field came back together in the closing stages.

It set up a sprint for the line, with five riders all crossing in close vicinity to leave a photo finish deciding the winner.

Bauhaus was ultimately confirmed as the stage winner in a time of 2 hours, 2min and 55sec, holding off a late surge from Katusha-Alpecin's Marcel Kittel.

A German top three was completed by Bora-Hansgrohe's Pascal Ackermann, with Italy's Elia Viviani and Australia's Caleb Ewan following.

The third stage was the final opportunity for sprinters to claim a victory at the race ©Getty Images
The third stage was the final opportunity for sprinters to claim a victory at the race ©Getty Images

"I wasn't sure that I'd won when I crossed the line," said Bauhaus.

"It was really close, especially with Marcel Kittel coming very fast from behind.

"I was super happy when I was told I won.

"I came in good position behind Elia Viviani in the last corner and I could start my sprint from his back wheel.

"I'm very proud to take the win against those big names."

Bauhaus' success gave Team Sunweb their first victory of the 2018 season, but the squad stand a good chance of a repeat tomorrow.

World time trial champion Tom Dumoulin is among the favourites to triumph in a 12.6 kilometre race against the clock on Al Maryan Island.

The Dutchman could claim the race lead should he triumph, with Italy's Viviani currently heading the general classification, following his stage two success.

The time trial will be the penultimate stage of the race, which will conclude on Sunday (February 25) with a climb up Jabel Hafeet.

The UCI WorldTour also continues with tomorrow's Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, with the one-day Belgian race viewed by many as the start of the spring season.

Belgium's Greg Van Avermaet will hope to claim victory in the race for the third consecutive year.