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Nerves....
In '99 there was pressure on him to perform, to prove that his '98 podium spot wasn't a fluke or didn't have an asterix next to it. First real individual test where leaders and contenders have to show themselves, the Stage 8 ITT, he overcooks a turn early on the course and dumps it.
This year there was pressure on him to perform implicit with Basso's exclusion as team leader. First real individual test where leaders and contenders have to show themselves, the Stage 8 ITT, he overcooks a turn early on the course and dumps it.
He's too cerebral to shut off the nervousness and maintain the steely-eyed gaze of the killer...
Remember even in 98 he might have been able to take second place, but didn't attack on one of the mountain stages because he was surprised to find himself among the leaders feeling good and climbing strong....
Too much thinkin' makes you stupid in the tour.
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