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He’s had a rotten season so far, but he’s not got the speed he once had. Was it 2010 when he had a poor winter and early season with the after effects of a tooth infection? Everyone wrote him off ahead of the Tour, then he won five stages.
He’s older now and bouncing back gets harder.
andyp-
I think both are possible. It could just be his age, but the optimist in me is hoping he is just in bad shape. I know these guys are the super elites / beyond mortal etc, but hitting the deck in these mega crashes, concussion / whiplash within 4 months of a grand tour surely must take its toll and totally fuck up his prep.
Hovis
Isn't he coming from a recent series of nasty crashes and broken bones? He's probably just out of shape, doesn't necessarily mean he is completely finished as a winning rider.