Chris Sutton claims victory at Japan Cup Criterium

Team Sky rider Chris Sutton has won the Japan Cup Criterium in Utsonomiya.

The 30-year-old Australian edged out last year's winner Steele von Hoff in a sprint finish, while Team Sky colleague Ben Swift finished third.

"I couldn't be happier," Sutton told the team's official website.

"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.

"It was the best lead-out I've ever had. 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 criterium serves as a precursor to the Japan Cup Cycle Race, which takes place on Sunday.