In Porrentruy in Switzerland this afternoon, Pinotti was the fastest man on the 4.3km course completing it in 5 mins 17.52 seconds.
His fellow HTC Colombia Rider Mark Cavendish finished in 18th place, some eight seconds back.
Other British finishers were Ben Swift in 53rd and Charles Weglius in 61st.
Pinotti said after the race to his team's press office: "I couldn't be happier. I've done well in this race before, finishing third in 2008 and I knew I was in good shape after the Tour of the Basque Country in Spain so I was hoping for a good result."
"This is the last race I do before the Giro d'Italia, and this confirms I'm on the right track for May, too."
Tomorrow's stage is a 175.6 km stage from Porrentruy to Fleurier.