Menchov won 2 GTs in his life. Are you really saying he would not be a favorite if Andy and Contador weren't in the Tour?I agree that it was not close. But Pinot, Menchov and Valverde would probably not be considered favorite if #1 and #2 did not attend, while that is true for Remco in all GT he will do. Meaning he is the favorite if TP and JV don't go to a GT.
Remco is a favorite because of his name, you put him in the Giro next year and he will be considered number one favorite however I'm inclined to think he wouldn't win the Giro.
