Richie Porte has hit back after some accused him of helping ex-teammate Chris Froome of Sky on stage ten’s summit finish to Andorra.

“I know him well. But there’s no favors up there. People say I didn’t attack him yesterday, which is just rubbish,” said an irritated Porte during Monday’s first Tour rest day in Andorra. “I guess people just don’t quite understand how it is when you’re on the limit — it’s just not always possible to keep attacking.”