Well, since when are riders really that non-delusional when it comes to the Tour?If you truly believe you have earned a free role in the Tour after *checking notes*, winning the Tour de l'Ain, you are beyond delusional.
I rather think that he wanted a free role in another GT, which is still a stretch, but in case too many of their GC guys would be injured, you could make a case for that.
To play devils advocate, he did finish 8th in the Vuelta and was 5th in the Giro when he had to abandon last year, so perhaps he feels that this is at least his level now that he seems to be past his injury issues.