Richie Porte said he was happy but still expected more from himself after playing a pivotal role in the first mountain stage of this year’s Tour de France.
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All the main general classification contenders locked horns towards the end of the 160.5-kilometre fifth stage from Vittel to La Planche des Belles Filles in France’s Vosges Mountains.
The summit finish delivered a thrilling showdown in which all the big teams appeared to be watching Porte’s every move.
All Porte’s BMC teammates lined up at the front of the peloton to control the majority of the stage and deliver the Launceston rider for the final climb.
Italian Fabio Aru (Astana) attacked with 2.5km to go and held on for victory with Dan Martin (Quickstep Floors) and Chris Froome (Sky) completing the podium.
Porte’s fourth place saw him leap up the overall standings to fifth, the same position in which he finished last year’s race.
"I can't say anymore for my teammates. They were incredible today, and I think we took it to them [the peloton]” he said.
“In the final there, Aru slipped away. I'm still happy with my ride for the first mountain stage. I kind of expected a little more but there's a long way to go.
"As a unit today, BMC Racing Team were the team that made the race. Michi Schär and Stefan Küng basically rode the whole race on the front and then the rest of the guys towards the end.
“I thought we were going too fast and told them to slow down, but they actually kept it up and that's testament to how strong they are.
"Chris Froome is obviously going stronger than when we saw him at the last race but I think Team Sky weren't quite what they were last year. Still, I think they have a lot of pressure coming up."
I'm still happy with my ride for the first mountain stage. I kind of expected a little more but there's a long way to go.
- Richie Porte
Froome claimed the yellow jersey from teammate Geraint Thomas with Porte 39 seconds behind.
The next two stages through eastern France are relatively flat before the GC contenders are expected to renew their rivalry when the race hits the Alps.
Tour Results
Stage: 1 Fabio Aru (Astana) 3:44:06, 2 Dan Martin (Quickstep Floors) +16, 3 Chris Froome (Sky) +20, 4. Richie Porte (BMC) +20, 5 Romain Bardet (AG2R La Mondiale) +24.
General classification: 1 Chris Froome (Sky) 18:38:59, 2 Geraint Thomas (Sky) +12, 3 Fabio Aru (Astana) +14, 4 Dan Martin (Quickstep Floors) +25, 5 Richie Porte (BMC) +39.
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
