The 34-year-old had enjoyed six stage wins at the Grand Tour prior to this year’s race and opened his account at the centenary edition with a well-timed sprint.

Greipel would prevail from a bunch sprint at the conclusion of a 226 kilometre route from Olbia to Tortolì.

The German star finished the event on the island of Sardinia in a winning time of 6 hours, 5min and 18sec.

He was followed across the line by Italy’s Roberto Ferrari and Belgium’s Jasper Stuyven, with Colombia’s Fernando Gaviria coming fourth.

“It wasn't an easy day with the head wind,” said Greipel.

“It made a six hours race but it also played in our favour.

“Otherwise there would have been some attacks.

“I'm really proud to win at the Giro again.

“I'm glad to win for my team-mates who worked for me since yesterday.

“This stage win and the pink jersey are for them and also for my mother.”

Greipel leads the overall standings by four seconds from Austria’s Lukas Pöstlberger, who held the maglia rosa overnight after winning the opening stage.

Australia’s Caleb Ewan and Ferrari are a further four seconds behind.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race will continue tomorrow with a 148km race from Tortolì to Cagliari, which will be the final stage in Sardinia.

The three-day Tour of Chongming Island in China also continued today, with the event part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour.

Jolien D'Hoore of Belgium won the second stage, finishing the 135km route in Chongming Xin Cheng Park in 3:32:25.

The result saw her take the race lead from Kirsten Wild, with the Dutch rider ending second on the stage.

Wild is one second behind heading into tomorrow’s final stage, with defending champion Chloe Hosking of Australia a further two seconds behind.