sir fly said:So what?
The stage was meant to be testing both for the riders and the equipment. It's all part of the racing.
And how does it affects the fact Nibali stormed to the Arenberg - showed extraordinary form?
What are the guarantees the excuse was genuine?
The same guarantees that Vincenzo's excuse is genuine about being in the wrong gear after being beaten to the line with a gap by Contador in the photo posted by LaFlo. Maybe he didn't want to give his opponent a psychological edge by admitting to weakness. Depending on your bias (if one exists) you believe who and what you choose.