I agree later in year is better but some perspective missing for your posting. Rambaldini retired actually for a brief few months then last minute got in shape to make the team. He was not as fit this year. Also Krupicka was coming off injury this year and last year was in the shape of his life early in June. I would say the marathon champs this year was strong up front but overall very weak in comparison to the talent seen in the classic event the day before. A guy who was 12th in classic came back next day and got 10th. So many guys underperformed and I think it has to do with the fact that us european athletes are in better mountain shape than western countries earlier in year as we have many events to prepare but also the travel to patagonia hurt the european athlete more than say USA athletes