The stage began missing two of its biggest names.

Britain’s Mark Cavendish was forced to pull out due to a broken shoulder, sustained in a crash yesterday, which had led to two-time world champion Peter Sagan being disqualified.

An appeal by the Slovakian was turned down.

While the sprinters were the centre of attention in a chaotic finale yesterday the general classification contenders were the focus in the closing kilometres of today’s 160.5 kilometre race from Vittel.

The prospect of a breakaway win had been raised when a seven-man move jumped clear in the early stages, including France’s Thomas Voeckler and Belgium’s 2012 world champion Philippe Gilbert, celebrating his 35th birthday.

They established an advantage of more than three minutes during the stage but it had been reduced by one minute as the race hit the 50km to go mark.

Gilbert and fellow Belgian Jan Bakelants decided to go on the offensive as the gap continued to close, the pair leaving their breakaway companions behind in the final 12km.

Their effort came to an end in the closing four kilometres  as the general classification contenders began testing each other on the closing climb.

Aru launched a well-timed attack, taking Astana rider clear, with Australia’s Richie Porte, Ireland’s Dan Martin, France’s Romain Bardet and Britain’s Chris Froome setting off in pursuit.

Froome’s team-mate and race leader Geraint Thomas was unable to follow.

Spain’s Alberto Contador and the Colombian duo of Nairo Quintana and Estaban Chaves were also dropped.

Aru stayed clear to claim victory in a time of 3 hours 44min 06sec.

Martin, riding for Quick-Step Floors, crossed the line 16 seconds down in second.

Team Sky’s Froome led BMC Racing Team's Porte over the line at 20 seconds down, with Bardet, representing AG2R La Mondiale, a further four seconds back.

"Today's stage gives a glimpse of where everyone is at in terms of form," Froome, winner of the race in 2013, 2015 and 2016, said after taking the yellow jersey.

"When I made my move, Porte, Bardet and Martin followed me, Aru was at the front, so it's also an indication of his form.

"He chose the right moment to attack before the last kick."

Froome now leads the race from Thomas, with 12 seconds separating the two British riders.

Aru’s stage win has moved him up to third at two seconds further back, while Martin and Porte are 25 and 39 seconds respectively off the race lead.

Britain’s Simon Yates, riding for Orica–Scott, and Bardet are both within 50 seconds of Froome, while Contador and Quintana are the only other riders within one minute at eighth and ninth overall.

The International Cycling Union WorldTour race is due continue tomorrow, with a sprint finish expected at the conclusion of the 216km stage from Vesoul to Troyes.