Can we read anything of value about the rest of the season in the first WorldTour race? Peloton magazine gives it a stab and they’ve picked out some very interesting things.

Among the 10 takeaways from the TDU, they list the rise of Rohan Dennis, Marcel Kittel not being a machine, and the return of Heinrich Haussler. My favourite entries on the list, however, had to do with two cyclists who, each in his own way, put Australian road cycling on the map.

First of all, Robbie McEwen. Get this man a microphone and get him to every single race of the season – we’ll take up a collection if needs be! Always able to read the race on the bike, last week he read it out loud to give viewers fantastic insight into race dynamics and tactics. Oh, and as Peloton points out, “He knew every rider’s name right away.” That this is a standout quality just goes to show how desperately we need new blood in the commentary box. Eurosport – please, PLEASE, do us all a favour …

Second of all, Cadel Evans. There are a lot of retrospectives of his career this month (including one we’re about to publish) that concentrate on his past achievements but Peloton were pitch-perfect in their praise for his performance last week and his support for his teammate. One class act.

Once Dennis took the jersey, Evans was there for him, offering encouragement and wisdom. … Cuddles would love to have won his final home tour, but there were two riders stronger than he was. Yet he didn’t sulk. Instead, he respected the race leader, who happened to be his teammate.