I think what makes it more interesting is that with Froome supposed to be there, there was somewhat of an agreement and understanding that Froome is the protected rider and that Bernal and GT have to line up in the Ineos Train order accordingly. With Froome out, does Bernal automatically concede team leadership and sacrifice himself accordingly just because GT won last year. Or when say Wout Poels (or whoever the last Ineos domestique is going to be this year) pulls off the front then Bernal starts looking around or riding "semi-tempo" to protect his own interests?

I think this might be the first year in a long time that Sky/Ineos is entering the tour without a 100% clear team leader. Even if Brailsford says that GT is the team leader...that's kind of like Movistar saying Quintana is their team leader. It's one thing to say it...it's another thing if your team actually believes it and acts accordingly.