I didnt imply that Garmin would or should write-off all hopes for sucess the TDF. I dont see that they have a super strong challenger for winning TDF GC, but they likely can repeat a GC top ten and chase stage wins & sprints.

Back this year longer, hardrer and steeper, winning the CO race is going to be a big deal. Garmin team is based out of CO, several of the racers live in CO (or closeby - SLC) so they have a strong fanbase and support in the region. CO is closest big geographical race to main sponsors HQ just over state border in Kansas. I would think that winning CO is likely a bigger strategic team objective for Garmin than anything outside of TDF and Giro this year. If they burn all thier matches in TDF, doubtfull that they can get a result any better than happened in California (2nd place GC) but if they target CO and save the legs of one of thier top contenders I think they have a very good shot at winning CO and it would be a very impressive result for the American fans. I suppose they might still opt to start thier best GC riders in TDF but the first of them to crash-out or get sick then can at least have the consolation of still being fresh for CO.