American riders Evan Huffman, Robin Carpenter and Ian Garrison created the day's breakaway, with the trio building a lead of nearly six minutes at its peak.

Their lead was eventually reduced, with Carpenter dropped from the move.

Skujins and Sean Bennett, another American, would bridge to the leading two on the final climb and eventually pulled clear towards the finish.

The pair were able to stay clear of the chasing pack as they headed towards finish, with Skujins then pulling away to claim victory on the race track.

It was the Latvian's third stage win at the race, having also earned wins in 2015 and 2016.

On the same date of last year's race, Skujins was forced to abandon following a concussion and broken collarbone.

"The only time I actually dreamed about it [the stage win] was in the last 300," he said.

"I expected someone to come from the back full throttle but I guess it had been a hard day for everyone with the wind and just the hard pace.

The only thing that beats the sweet smell of victory is the overwhelming love and support from California communities. Thank you King City and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area and the Monterey community for having us! Stage 3 (p/b @Lexus)was as great as can be??? #AmgenTOC pic.twitter.com/1w1S7u40n7

— AmgenTOC (@AmgenTOC) May 16, 2018

"The breakaway was really strong that went in the beginning and that all played into my advantage.

"It's definitely not the easiest run into the final, I've raced on Laguna Seca before and that definitely helped me.

"I knew how to play it."

Bennett would cross the line three seconds adrift of the winner, with Australia's Caleb Ewan leading the chasing pack across the line at eight seconds down.

Slovakia's triple road race world champion Peter Sagan and Colombia's Egan Bernal completed the top five.

The latter retained his overall race lead of 25 seconds, with the Team Sky rider followed by Poland's Rafal Majka.

Racing will continue tomorrow with a 34.7km individual time trial.