The 30-year-old clocked 4 hours 50min 53sec after a 179 kilometre road race which covered part of the course Olympians will tackle in and around the Japanese capital next year.

Beginning at Musashinonomori Park and ending at the Fuji International Speedway, Ulissi claimed a 17 second victory over his team-mate Davide Formolo.

Nans Peters of France was 1:52 back in third position.

Teams from Hong Kong, Belgium, France, Germany, Britain, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg and Russia, along with 11 Japanese International Cycling Union continental teams, were taking part in the race which drew good crowds.

Ulissi prevailed on a course which suits the climbers, with the Doshi Road, Kagosaka Pass and Mikuni Pass all ascended today.

At the Olympics the lower slopes of Mount Fuji will also be tackled but the iconic attraction was not part of today's test event.

A 234km course will be used for the men's road race at the Games.

Today's race took place during the Tour de France, meaning a weakened field.

The action was one of 56 test events which make up the "Ready Steady Tokyo" programme and which are due to take place until May 2020. 

Some are scheduled domestic and international sporting events that happen to be taking place in Japan during the build-up to Tokyo 2020, while 22 are dedicated Olympic and Paralympic test events.

Weightlifting, archery and surfing events have already taken place this month.