Simon Yates won stage five of Tirreno-Adriatico to move into the overall race lead as Geraint Thomas also moved up in the general classification.

Bury star Yates attacked a much-reduced peloton around six kilometres from the summit finish of the Sassotetto and made it count as the Mitchelton-Scott rider took the stage win by 35 seconds.

It continues a fine run for the Yates twins after brother Adam's stint in the yellow jersey at the Tour de France. 

“I saw an opportunity and really took it,” said Yates, who is using the race as part of his preparation for the Giro d'Italia.  “I saw straight away I got a gap so it was just full gas.

“It was a good opportunity to take the jersey and take some time, because with a time trial on the last day I need a good buffer. It was a good day.”

Thomas had looked to be simply hanging on in the chasing group but a late turn of speed saw him take second place for the Ineos Grenadiers.

The new-look general classification sees Yates lead by 16 seconds from Bora-Hansgrohe’s Rafal Majka, while Thomas moved up to third, 39 seconds off his fellow Brit in the leader’s blue jersey.

Deceuninck-QuickStep’s James Knox also moved up, and now sits in seventh place 81 seconds back.

Chris Froome, riding the race in a support role for Ineos as he builds towards the Vuelta a Espana, had a small crash in the final 50km but was quickly back on his bike.