SIMON Yates took control of the race for the white jersey after finishing sixth on the first mountain stage of the Tour de France.

The 24-year-old Bury rider is bidding to match his twin brother Adam's achievement of last year, when he finished the Tour as the best young rider.

He started today's ride to La Planche des Belles Filles fifth in the white jersey standings, 20 seconds behind France's Pierre-Roger Latour, but leapfrogged his rivals into top spot, building a 24-second lead.

Yates also moved up from 17th overall to sixth, 43 seconds behind new leader Chris Froome.

Three-time champion Froome finished third on the day, behind stage winner Fabio Aru and second-placed Irishman Dan Martin.

Yates rolled in alongside Alberto Contador, six seconds behind Froome and fellow GC contender Richie Porte.

It capped a promising start to the Tour for the former Derby High School pupil, who put in a much quicker time-trial than expected in the opening stage to force his way into overall contention.

His main aim as joint leader of the Orica Scott team, alongside Esteban Chaves, is win the white jersey and finish inside the top 10.

Froome moved into the yellow jersey after Sky team-mate Geraint Thomas, who had been in pole position since winning the opening stage time-trial, finished down in 10th place.

He now leads by 12 seconds from Thomas, with Aru up to third, 14 seconds back, after winning his first career Tour de France stage.

The 160.5 kilometre stage from Vittel was billed as the one which would bring true shape to the fight for yellow as the first of only three summit finishes in this Tour, and it delivered.

The strength of Aru's attack will certainly have caught the attention of his fellow contenders as the Italian national champion burst clear with 2.4km left.

Romain Bardet, France's great hope for a home win, was fifth, just ahead of Yates and Contador.

Nairo Quintana could only manage ninth place, 34 seconds behind Aru, as his hopes of contending suffered another blow.

Quick-Step Floors' Martin sits in fourth place overall, 25 seconds back, 14 ahead of Porte and 18 ahead of Yates.

Movistar's Quintana is already in trouble, some 54 seconds behind Froome after five stages.