A big stage race in February still needs some getting used to, I think. It wasn't that long ago that the season would just be getting in gear for a long slow start.
I'd like to see Basso and Landis do better, and it is good to see Armstrong in shape and working for Levi, but its a long way to the Grand Tours. Even so, I think Cali has done a great job of putting the race on, and I hope its back every year.