Tirreno-Adriatico organisers promised a show down between the young guns and they delivered, with Team Sky fast man Elia Viviani along for the party in third, he too fresh off the London boards.
Gaviria provided an analysis of the finale and was quick to thank his team.
“The last kilometre wasn't as tough as we thought, that’s why many sprinters made it over that small climb. It was a complicated sprint, every team was trying to position for the sprint.
"I had a very strong team, who helped me a lot before I jumped into Sagan’s wheel and launched my sprint. I was touched by someone on my left but fortunately had the legs to finish it off.
"I want to thank the entire team for their work, because I got to experience this special feeling, of notching my maiden World Tour victory. I rode pressure-free, allowed to take it day by day and see how my legs will respond," Gaviria said.
Not long after the stage start in Castelnuovo Val di Cecina, a breakaway pulled clear. Simone Andreeta (Bardiani), Giorgio Cecchinel (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermec), José Gonçalves (Caja Rural), Adrian Honkisz (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) and Davide Villella (Cannondale) built a 4:35 gap which an Etixx–Quick-Step/Orica-GreenEdge controlled peloton absorbed with 2km to go.
Zdenek Stybar remains in the Maglia Azzurra and was impressed with his Colombian team-mate.
"I'm really happy with keeping the jersey but even more with [the team] winning this stage with Fernando Gaviria. Our guys have been working hard from start to finish so it's wonderful to see our young sprinter finishing it off. This is another great day for us at this race," he said.
Pressure was immediately applied to Gaviria by many in the cycling industry speculating about his form for Milan San Remo. He soon quashed this conjecture.
"I can’t wait to race Milan-Sanremo, but I’m not thinking of getting the victory there. Let’s not forget I’ve never ridden a 300-km long race. For me, it will be a great moment even to be at the start, and all I want is to enjoy this Classic, to see how my body will react and gain valuable experience.”
