Good signs on his form this year. Good team. Some of the others must (also) cut back because of blood-passport (UCI could and would(?) still be testing regardless of not giving the french any data). The Giro and DL indicated that the acents may not be as decisive as they used to be. Unusually, two stages ending at the bottom of long decents, which I think should be given more consideration, just ask Gesink. Valverde is a good decender. And most crucially the Dauphiné Libéré win might have given him the experience and confidence of leading an important stage-race.
And so I expect to see him do his usual lousy third week, loosing 6-7 minutes, the yellow jersey and the tour on the Huez-stage, just to prove me wrong once again.
I realise he wont win, but I expect a good ride out of Mikel Astarloza, he came what ... 9th last year? He could go a little bit better than that with the Astana crew not coming.
