Hats of to Steven! Massive respect for him.
It's a bloody shame he crashed and eventually even lost the podium. He didn't deserve that, but like he said so himself "staying on your bike is also part of cycling". I just watched his post race interview with the dutch television and I only got more respect for him.
He just fought like hellmtoday to keep the podium, but like he said he's 4th now which is worth nothing, but then again last night he didn't even think he could race today. So in that perspective he looked at it the glass is half full perspective and that after such a huge blow. Very realistic view.
Also when asked why he loves the Giro so much, or maybe it wasn't an appropiate question now as the interviewer said, he answered with that he still loves the giro because of the course(profiles) and open character of the race. A race where a lot can happen every day just like this Giro, where he added that unfortunately this time he was the victim.
He will be back next year. I'm sure, allthough I expect pressure in NL to send him to France. Thenfact that it's the 100th Giro will help him convince them to send him to the giro though.
Next year he won't be underestimated though.