Richie Porte moved up to fifth overall in the Tour de France after stage five – but then admitted he was hoping for even better.

The Tasmanian battled with arch-rival Chris Froome on the steep finish of La Planche des Belles Filles before finishing alongside the three-time Tour winner.

Fabio Aru took the stage victory, but Porte knows Froome is in much better form than his performances over the previous couple of months might have suggested.

“I can’t say anymore for my team-mates. They were incredible today, and I think we took it to them,” Porte said.

“Aru slipped away, but 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.

“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.”

Froome took over the yellow jersey as overall race leader from his Sky team-mate Geraint Thomas and now leads Porte by 39 seconds in the general classification.

There are still 16 stages left to ride, but the British star insists he could yet hold onto the lead all the way to Paris.

“I'm used to being in that position," Froome said.

"It’s an amazing feeling to be back in yellow, it’s what I’ve worked hard for all year.

“But the race is still very open and very close. Aru did a great ride today and is proving himself to be a real contender.”