Surely TT is one of the best indicator of form and current strength?[/b] Valverde has been putting in digs and wasting energy in nearly every mountain stage, yet he's still up there. Indeed, the one stage he lost significant time on to most GC contenders, was because he soloed off the front on the very first climb of the day, putting nearly two minutes into everyone. He's probably been the second strongest climber in the race so far.
Of course, he may not be able to maintain it. But recent history suggests he has a better chance of holding his form in the final week than Porte or Mollema.
That's funny. How can you explain his performance in the Vuelta of 2015 with that logic? He showed poor form in the mountains, maybe the worst in his whole career (with Tour 2012). But despite that, he rode a fantastic ITT in Burgos, where he was 3rd. How is that possible then?
It shows to me a TT doesn't say anything at all about your true climbing level.
And wasting energy in every mountain stage? He just rides for himself. Every attack he initiates, he does with one thing in mind: how can i ride so conservatively as possible to not lose time when i get reeled in by the Sky train? Alibi-attacks, i call them.
He shows a logical progression to me: he's not at his usual climbing level thanks to a tough Giro in his legs. But at least 6 riders are climbing better then him. And he will lose more and more time in the Alps. Just like he did in the Vuelta last year. Fatigue: even for Valverde it's a familiair disease.