While I agree, I think that a facet of Froome's otherwise very gentle demeanour is one of the most hard edged competitive streaks that underlies it. He may not need an excuse to you or me but possibily to himself.
Otherwise, i really cannot understand the positiion he took.
He knew whatever he said wouldn't affect what happened, and it let his teammates know very publically how pissed off he was that they'd had a nice cake ride while he was watching the Vuelta go up the swanee.
Don't think he will, Contador's a superior time triallist and seems to have rising form.