Kazistuta said:I really think it IS British bias, sorry...
Kennaugh competed in both Tour De Romandie (where his DNF'ed) and Bayern Rundfahrt (maybe not exaactly a major stage race).
Van Garderen finished no. 9 in his first stage race (Volta Ao Algarve), Sagan had two top5 finishes in TDU, Keukeleire won his second stage race, Modolo finished fourth in Milano-San Remo and the list probably goes on...
Again: For Kennaugh himself - by his own standards - his performances in Dauphine was most likely a great succes, but for objective observers his efforts can't be proclaimed "amazing"...
but quite a few of the others have been on the european circuit, kennaugh came straight from the academy so not quite the experience. everyone has to start somewhere and hes starting very well-the tour of romandie was his first race back after breaking collarbone. and bayern rundhfart he did domestic duties where sky won overall