I’m not making an argument, relax. Pantani is just the first example that came to mind. I have no idea what’s going to happen, I just think it’s possible or even likely that a rider like RE comes into a GT with very little experience and undercooked on form, has trouble keeping up in the first week, loses a bit of time. The because he is who he is with that engine and competitive spirit, he rounds into enough form to win a stage or two by the end.
I also think it’s possible that he shows up looking ominously strong, hangs on in the first week, and competes for the win late. There’s just not enough data on this kid for me to have a strong opinion about it one way or another.
I like to have discussion, not arguments, at least most of the time. Every discussion here doesn’t need to be a pissing contest.