He was dropped a long way from the finish as an overall race leader and lost 12 minutes to the best.i mean...no, not really? like you said he had a nice performance in Poland two years ago, not sure why that wouldn't count, especially when he was only 22. he was a great domestique at the Vuelta last year and has had a nice season this year where he's done from well to outstanding in every race he's been in. it isn't out of nowhere at all.
Should we count it then or maybe a 26th place finish in a moderately difficult stage race is not really a sign of future GC greatness?