Sagan won in a masterful way, Dillier rode out of his mind, but Phinney's performance today gave me the most excitement. Maybe more hope than excitement actually, something that has been lacking when I recall his past few seasons since the accident. That he rides at all after such a horrific injury is inspiring, but we could not help but hope to see a return to the success of previous years, and to hope to see the success develop into great triumph. Today that hope was fortified. This did not seem to be a fluke, he looked very strong. It was not a case of being in the early break and hanging on as others pass, Phinney was sharp today. He was active and in control, working well for Vanmarcke as the only "domestique" to survive late in the race.
I would rate today as level with what we saw from him pre injury. This was not just a nice ride or lucky placing, and he did not collapse after a few efforts.
Is it too early to say that Phinney is back?