The 148-kilometres stage from Tortolì to Cagliari was affected by a strong crosswind in the closing stretches of racing.

An echelon was formed and swiftly brought back together in the final 15km but Quick-Step split the peloton again.

Luxembourg's Bob Jungels drove a small group of riders to the finish as he attempted to aid Gaviria.

His Quick-Step team-mate delivered in fine fashion, sprinting to victory in a time of 3 hours 26min 33sec on the Italian island. 

Germany's Rüdiger Selig and Italy's Giacomo Nizzolo finished on the same time as the winner in second and third places respectively.

"It's an enormous joy because of the work of the team," said Gaviria.

"We wanted a win before the rest day, so we can enjoy the rest day tomorrow.

"All the teams knew there would be crosswinds, we were spot on at the front.

"My team-mates' legs were very strong.

"I was feeling sorry for my team-mates because my legs weren't responding in the first two stage finishes, now we have the win the team deserves."

Gaviria also clinched the overall race lead from Germany’s Andre Griepel after he missed the key move to deny him the chance of a sprint victory.

Griepel is now nine seconds behind Gaviria, with the opening stage winner Lukas Pöstlberger of Austria a further four behind.

The peloton will enjoy a rest day tomorrow, before the general classification battle is ignited at the International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race with a 181km mountain stage from Cefalù to Etna on the Italian mainland. 

The three-day Tour of Chongming Island in China drew to a close today, an event part of the UCI Women's WorldTour.

Jolien D'Hoore of Belgium won the final stage, finishing the 111km route in Chongming Xin Cheng Park in 2:48:31.

Victory saw her seal the general classification win, ending five seconds clear of The Netherlands' Kirsten Wild.

Defending champion Chloe Hosking of Australia ended six seconds behind the winner in third place.