Not to mention Valverde being on fire coming into the tour. Those two could have shared the podium with Froome, but were lost early. Either one of them could have even beaten him.

No doubt the early exits of some key racers was disappointing; you raise an interesting point though--Valverde, wasn't he supposed to be support for Quintana? With Quintana appearing to have dead legs would they have switched positions? Nairo may have performed better with assistance but he just looked tired. Maybe him attacking for Valverde would have helped them both.

The tour had its highs and lows this year. I didn't like the more conspicuous penalties this year. The officials should be unobtrusive and not the main show/controversy. The route was okay. Not great, but I bet they have a mountain time trial next year to help the climber squad.