IMO this year is the same story than last year with him. He is not going to be worse, maybe he can even improve, but he is not going to be really better.
He said today is a good result to be the second day of race of the year.
And that is true, he has been 3rd, and Kiatlowski and Rui Costa have race more this year already.
But he must say: before my santion time I used to came here and win easyly in my first day, even when I had said I didnt want to win or I was still out out shape. etc...as Valverde did today...but now things are different.. I am up there, but similar o worse to others...
But there will be again speculation about his real form, and about he is waiting for the Tour, where he will be contender, but maybe again not the best of the team, and not among the top strongest riders.
Last year one of the ITT was good for him... the team did a big TTT...a nd he was regular all the Tour, with an strong team, and even Nieve helped him...but he wanst on of the strongers riders.
He will have more options in the Vuelta, he can put time on Purito in the ITT, but, dificult to beat him or another riders.
But it is just my opinion, I hope he can perform according his hight payment.