Yes and even that is a step above what he has been doing lately. It's not "luck", it's a matter of having enough strength to remain within touching distance something he hasn't been able to to for a while. And he caught up with the lead group quite fast too, so he was never too far behind. I never suggested he was the best of the GC guys but I can see significant and odd improvements even if a rider doesn't destroy the field... Particularly if that comes at age 36.
It's certainly not as eyebrow raising as Hirt having a career season at age 31, but in the context of this team is, at least, suspicious.
I was arguing on twitter (yes, I know...) and it was mostly about how UAE and Matxin have the super fuel.
well, no super fuel for Costa?