With the 146 kilometre stage in Sacramento featuring a flat profile, Bernal was almost certain to secure the general classification crown as he boasted a 1min 25sec advantage over his nearest rival.

A bunch sprint was expected at the conclusion of the stage and ultimately occurred, despite the efforts of breakaway riders.

Gaviria confirmed his sprint supremacy at the race, with the Quick-Step Floors rider crossing the line in 3 hours, 7min 39sec for a third stage win.

He was followed across the line by Germany's Max Walscheid and Australia's Caleb Ewan who were awarded the same time.

Bernal clinched the overall classification with BMC Racing's Tejay van Garderen ending as the runner-up.

The Colombian continued his superb debut professional season, having already finished second at the Tour de Romandie.

Elsewhere, Katie Hall emerged as the winner of the three stage women’s race, following her stage two triumph yesterday.

The event, also concluding in Sacramento, finished with a circuit race which ended in a sprint finish.

Cuba's Arlenis Sierra sprinted to victory in a time of 1:37.32, with Americans Alexis Ryan and Emma White rounding off the top three.

Hall ended the race with a 29 second margin of victory over fellow American Tayler Wiles and Poland's Katarzyna Niewiadoma.

A second International Cycling Union Women's WorldTour event began with the opening stage of the Emakumeen Bira.

The Netherlands' Sabrina Stultiens clinched a solo victory, as she finished in a time of 2:51.24.

Germany's Lisa Brennauer and Italy's Giorgia Bronzini led the chasing pack over the line at 17 seconds down.

The race will continue tomorrow with a 27km stage in Gazteiz-Vitoria.