Avoriaz said:Maybe not "why" he has to bridge a gap, but whether he "can" bridge a gap. I first noticed this in the Tour de France this year (didn't pay much attention in the Vuelta last year). I wonder if this is what has perhaps helped him improve so much - i.e. previously he rode on a whim, if he felt good or if he didn't feel good. But now, having tracked and monitored his numbers, he knows what he can do (but can't be trusted to do it instinctively), but if he follows the numbers.
Just a thought
Yes! That is it! Froome was always capable of these beautiful, amazing results, it's just that now he's riding more conservatively - and reaping the benefits.