He wasn't 'crap'. He finished third overall.

Just wasn't ever strong enough to attack or beat Froome, who was in absolutely prime form, having trained all season for the Tour.

Situation is different now. Froome had a good go at the Olympics, and so isn't in peak condition for a three week Grand Tour. That time that Froome was preparing for, and competing in, Rio, Quintana spent training for the Vuelta.

Quintana has also said he wasn't completely well at the Tour, though he hasn't been explicit about what, if anything, was wrong with him. If he was a bit ill, then it just makes his third place all the more impressive.

I really like Quintana, by the way. Hope he goes on to win the Tour one day.

Posted By: Tricky Hawes, Aug 31, 18:03:00