Chris Sutton sprinted to victory at the Japan Cup Criterium in Utsonomiya as Team Sky put on an impressive performance.

The Australian out-sprinted compatriot (and 2013 winner) Steele Von Hoff (Garmin-Sharp) in a photo-finish while Ben Swift rounded out the podium after an exciting finish to the showpiece event.

Team Sky remained to the fore as 20 laps clicked off on Utsonomiya Main Street and put together a strong lead-out train, propelling Sutton to victory.

Edvald Boasson Hagen also took 10th at the line to ensure Sutton's lead-out all claimed top-10 finishes, while Ian Boswell and Bernhard Eisel were instrumental in keeping the pace high during a fast race.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Sutton told TeamSky.com after the race.

“When they fired the gun it was game on! It was so quick at the start, but probably after five laps when the cobwebs had gone from the legs I actually felt pretty comfortable.

“The boys were incredible. Boswell came and started riding on the front straight away. In the closing laps Bernie was just drilling it on the front and got quicker and quicker. I was really well protected by Eddie and Swifty. It was the best lead-out I’ve ever had.

“Eddie went first and then Swifty stepped off him. I just finished it off and it was really nice to get a win. You know it’s a good lead-out when your lead-out man can still finish on the podium.”

The action continues on Sunday with the main event and Team Sky’s final race of the season at the Japan Cup Cycle Race.

On the trip to Japan Sutton added: “We’ve been having a great time out here. The fans in Japan are amazing. They just love it. We’re really thankful for all the support.”