Richie Porte moved up to fourth overall at the Tour Down Under following a thrilling conclusion to stage three.

The general classification contenders came to the fore on the first-category Torrens Hill Road in Paracombe, with Porte going toe to toe with his rivals on the short, sharp ascent.

Heading under the flame rouge in a select group of four, the Team Sky rider looked to accelerate clear but was covered each time by rival Cadel Evans (BMC Racing).

A brief stalemate allowed Rohan Dennis (BMC Racing) to launch a blistering counter-attack, with the young Australian going on to take a three-second victory and the ochre jersey.

Porte crossed the line five seconds back in sixth, moving him up to fourth place overall with a 15-second deficit to Dennis.

Team Sky once again shouldered the responsibility on the front for much of the stage, controlling the day’s break before delivering Porte to the foot of the final climb in a perfect position.

After the stage Porte explained how the final kilometres played out.

"There were four of us away and no one really wanted to work so that group came back," he said. "Rohan Dennis hit out in a tactical move. Now it's up to BMC tomorrow to chase. They haven't chased so far so it will be good for us to take a bit of a back seat. It's not over yet. Hopefully on Willunga we can repay that move.

"We were in a good position and the first team into [the final climb]. We ran out of men a little bit. No one really wanted to commit when I was in the group of four, but I think Willunga will be a different fight. It's a different climb and it's a little bit longer. I'm looking forward to that one. Last year it was a good stage for me and I know I'm in better condition."

Sports Director Kurt Asle Arvesen praised the collective effort of the team and reiterated the focus on Saturday's finish.

"The whole team were really good," he added. "We used everyone again. Luke [Rowe] and the boys were up there controlling the beginning and we were happy with the break. Then we had to start working and we did that with Uni SA and Movistar. In the end Luke, Ian [Stannard] and Pete [Kennaugh] brought Richie into a good position. For the guys it was hectic but they were always up there. 

"Hopefully Saturday the climb will suit Richie better and we'll keep fighting. Tomorrow it's not up to us to control so that will be good for the guys."