I like to think it is a calculated plan to come into form a few days later, to try to be fresher for October.

I mulled over Armstrong's last year in light of his performances so far. I think you are right. 2002 was Armstrong's best year. His TdF was slightly down, but that was due to a moderately heavy early schedule.
Nonetheless, it looks like 7 TdFs is unlikely. Some of us will just have to be satisfied with 6 TdFs, another World Championship, Olympic gold, etc.

Millar seems to be coming around. He looks like yet another contender for a top 5 finish. I suspect he'll ride much like Hamilton, only slightly better in all facets.

Mayo raced the same tough early schedule as Hamilton.
It's a shame I don't have any height/weight info about him.

Anybody else notice that a digimon won the Euskal Bizikleta?