Chris Froome went on the attack over the top of the final climb in today's second stage of the Tour de France but the plan was never to gain time on his rivals. In fact, the defending champion just wanted to avoid any trouble and stay safe on the descent.

Chris Froome showed his strength to light up the finale to stage two at the Tour de France and move up to fifth place overall.

The Team Sky rider measured his efforts brilliantly during a thrilling finale in Sheffield, finishing in an elite chase group two seconds behind the stage winner Vincenzo Nibali.

The Italian champion stole clear in the final kilometre but Froome kept the situation in check, driving along the group before melting back into the pack which crossed the line just two seconds behind the Astana rider. The consistent finish saw Team Sky extend their lead in the team classification to 12 seconds.

Multiple attacks fired on the run for home with Froome receiving support from Geraint Thomas, Mikel Nieve and Richie Porte deep into the 201km test to ensure he sits in a strong position after two days of racing.

Porte came through a difficult moment with 65km to go after a crash necessitated a bike change and a chase back to the peloton in the crucial lead up to Holme Moss.

Team Sky set the tempo up the famous climb with Vasil Kiryienka and Thomas to the fore while Porte made his way back on behind thanks to help from Danny Pate and Bernhard Eisel.

"It was a really difficult day," said Froome after the stage. "It was undulating all day and a big fight for position. The crowds out there were incredible. Going up Holme Moss I had goosebumps all over. The support we’ve had from Yorkshire has just been out of this world.

"You could see in the final a lot of the contenders were making moves. For me it was about staying out of trouble and avoiding any major splits or issues. It’s a small margin but the win puts Nibali into the yellow jersey. It should be an exciting week of racing to come.

“Even if I attacked in the finale, my goal was to stay in the front and reach the finish line without a problem. It was a tough day but the support of the crowd was massive. I can tell you I'm tired and I hope everybody else is tired as well.

“A lot of contenders were making moves, and Nibali ended up taking two seconds on us in the final. It’s a small margin, but it puts him in the yellow jersey.”

Thomas also admitted it had been a tough stage but was happy with the result after the opening weekend.

"Once we turned right off the main road with about 35km to go it was really steep - up and down," he explained. "You definitely feel it in the legs. Garmin really put the hammer down and there were only around 20 riders left. Once it eased up we took a bit of control to keep Froomey and Richie out of trouble. It worked out well in the end.

"It was great racing. Those roads are really good and Jenkin Road at the end made it really interesting. For sure (the main contenders) all tested each other out. Everybody wanted to be at the front and then once one person makes a move everybody follows.

"We’re riding well as a team and as a unit. I think we can be happy with how these first few stages have gone."

“They were all attentive not to lose time, but then they were all hesitant because nobody wanted the jersey,” team Sky’s boss, David Brailsford said. “Nibali has it for two seconds, which means that Astana will have to defend it. It take pressure off of us, they have to work. It’s ideal for us.

“Richie is all right. A Garmin rider rode into the back of him and he rode into Nicolas Roche, but it’s one of those things. He was all right, got back on and lost no time.

“It’s good for us with Mikel there, as well, since we have riders on the same time.”