Italy’s Fabio Aru won the fifth stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday, while Britain’s Chris Froome took the yellow jersey from teammate Geraint Thomas.

Aru attacked with 2.3km to go on the final 6km climb up La Planche des Belles Filles and finished 16 seconds ahead of Irishman Dan Martin.

Froome, who came third, now leads Welshman Thomas by 12 seconds in the general classification.

Aru’s 10-second time bonus on the line saw him move up to third overall, two seconds behind Thomas.

‘It’s an amazing feeling to be back in yellow but the race is far from over, it’s just beginning for me,’ said Froome, who is chasing a third successive Tour title, and fourth in five years.

‘As a team we’re in a great position with first and second and that gives us great confidence and options going forward.

‘Today went really well, although if anything, I made a bit of a mistake in letting Aru go clear. He showed in the Dauphine he was in great form and today confirmed that.’

Stage five result:

1. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) 3hrs 44mins 06secs
2. Daniel Martin (Ire/Quick-Step) +16secs
3. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) +20secs
4. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) Same time
5. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +24secs
6. Simon Yates (GB/Orica) +26secs
7. Rigoberto Uran (Col/Cannondale) Same time
8. Alberto Contador (Spa/Trek)
9. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +34secs
10. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Sky) +40secs

General classification after stage five:

1. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) 18hrs 38mins 59secs
2. Geraint Thomas (GB/Team Sky) +12secs
3. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +14secs
4. Daniel Martin (Ire/Quick-Step) +25secs
5. Richie Porte (Aus/BMC Racing) +39secs
6. Simon Yates (GB/Orica) +43secs
7. Romain Bardet (Fra/AG2R) +47secs
8. Alberto Contador (Spa/Trek) +52secs
9. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +54secs
10. Rafal Majka (Pol/BORA) +1min 01secs

Photo: Tour de France