Fernando Gaviria of UAE Team Emirates won the first individual stage of the UAE Tour ©Getty Images

Fernando Gaviria of UAE Team Emirates won the first individual stage of the UAE Tour as he emerged triumphant from a head-to-head sprint finish against Elia Viviani.

Gaviria got the better of the Deceuninck-Quick-Step rider to clinch victory following the 184 kilometres stage from Yas Mall to Abu Dhabi Breakwater.

The Colombian clocked a winning time of 3 hours 36min 32sec to earn his first stage triumph on the International Cycling Union WorldTour this year.

Caleb Ewan of Lotto-Soual came through to take third in a fiercely-contested stage in Abu Dhabi.

Gaviria, who competed for Deceuninck-Quick-Step before he switched to the UAE Team Emirates squad, claimed team-mate Alexander Kristoff played a huge role in his victory.

Colombia's Fernando Gaviria of UAE Team Emirates emerged victorious from a sprint finish ©Getty Images
Colombia's Fernando Gaviria of UAE Team Emirates emerged victorious from a sprint finish ©Getty Images

"Kristoff did a really good job," Gaviriasaid, according to Cycling Weekly.

"He’s an amazing rider, because he’s also one of the best sprinters in the world and for today in the lead-out he was the best.

"I’m really happy for all the team and we’re happy for the victory in Abu Dhabi."

Slovenia's Primož Roglič remains in the overall lead following Team Jumbo-Visma's win in the event-opening team time trial yesterday.

"I’m not looking at the future, I’m looking at the moment - I want to win now," Gaviria added.

"I’ve trained a lot for winning and I hope to win a lot this year."

The race is due to resume tomorrow with the first mountain stage, where the riders will tackle a 179km route from Al Ain to Jebel Hafeet.