Well, the distance between the riders at any part of the stage is of no importance. The only thing that matters is the time difference between them crossing the imaginary line between the cones next to the ladder, as it customary.
Bilbao, Gall or Yates (or all three) shouldve tried a long range attack for the podium to make this race more interesting next to the emotional Pinot-story.
In Baloise he was actually attacking again. This Tour, might as well skipped it from a performance and entertainment perspective. You don't bring him for his tactics either - then he wouldve jumped with Asgreen.