A 34-kilometre individual time trial around the city of Bellinzona stands between the Tasmanian and victory in his maiden attempt at the Tour de France lead-in race.

The Launceston 33-year-old finished 12^th in a hectic penultimate 124km stage to retain his 17-second lead over Columbian Nairo Quintana (Movistar) with Dutchman Wilco Kelderman (Sunweb) 52 seconds down in third.

“That was such a nervous and stressful stage,” Porte said after the riders completed six laps of a 21.5km circuit in Bellinzona.

“It looked like today went without any problems, but that's thanks to my fantastic team here. BMC Racing Team has been great all week and today was another impressive display from them to put me in a good position in the hectic finish. It was one of those days where you are just happy to get it over and done with.

“The race has gone really well so far, but it's not over until it's over. Nairo Quintana had a fantastic day yesterday and I think he could easily have another good day tomorrow, likewise with Wilco Kelderman.

“You can't underestimate either of them so, if I am here tomorrow in the yellow jersey, I will be super happy. I have to be positive though and things have been going well so far so fingers crossed.”

Despite a hectic pace as teams attempted to set up their sprinters for victory, Greg Van Avermaet and early tour leader Stefan Küng were instrumental in setting up their team leader.

Arnaud Demare (Groupama FDJ) sprinted to the stage win as Porte finished safely, confirming he will be the last rider to roll down the start ramp for a time trial he believes teammate Küng could win.

“Stefan is in another league to everyone going into tomorrow. In the team time trial, he made the difference for us. He's an incredible engine and he did another fantastic job today. I think he is the big favourite for tomorrow.

“For me, after having my crash last year, I think I had a good Santos Tour Down Under but the season has not been so super since so to be here and to be time trialling for the win on the last day of the Tour de Suisse is a dream come true.”

Having taken time to recover from his Tour de France crash, Porte has bounced back with a second place and stage win at Tour Down Under, third at Tour de Romandie and has been in a podium spot throughout Tour de Suisse.

He will again lead BMC into the Tour de France – his 12^th Grand Tour – on July 7.

Campbell Town’s Will Clarke (Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale), also 33, pulled out of the race after failing to finish stage five into Leukerbad.