To clarify, while I don't own this thread and there are many of us in the same position, since some seem to think my intentions are misguided, I'll clarify. I'm not looking for a replacement for AC; I'm looking for a new rider that will inspire me to get up early to wade through streams looking for one that works, someone to get me so jacked up I hit the canyon climb a second or third time in a row. Of course I'll continue watching a continue routing for various riders and be open to anyone's heroics. I confess to even having cheered for Froome in in the 2012 Tour and when he attacked on the descent in 2015 and attacked with Sagan again in 2015. But I like protagonist-centered drama, and, again, I'm looking for a new protagonist to over-invest in.
I'm leaning Landa or MAL. I already like them. I love Nibali too but I think my fandom has fully matured at this point barring something amazing.