Oldman said:
All things being equal Valverde comes out on top every time. He owns the psychology, physiology and chemistry.
I'm not sure why you quoted me there, but I agree.
As a keen, but not obsessive, Australian cycling fan, I find Valverde to be one of the most entertaining riders to follow, whether he's mixing it at the finish of a stage or one day race, figuring among the contenders in a grand tour or even having one of his bad days. He also seems to be quite supportive of and cultivate good relationships with riders who are his countrymen, which is an area where Evans has struggled a bit. As for the Piti thing, for me, it does leave a bad taste, but he's got plenty of company in that regard and I feel that there are bigger blights on the sport.
I thought Valverde was fantastic today. It really made the race when he and LLS bridged across, and Valverde really put in some big turns on the front. Congratulations to LLS for the stage win. He's a classy rider.