I don't think he wanted to be as far down as he is, but I also get the impression that he didn't really want pink until later in the race to begin. He does want it to be closer than it is. And while he's been riding well, I'm not expecting him to pull it off. He's been burning through domestiques for the entire first half of the race just limiting losses. I can't see there being much left of Liquigas by the time they arrive at the stages that he hopes will be decisive for him.

ETA: The other favorites who are still in the running at this point owe him a big 'thank you' for using his teammates to blow Cunego, Garzelli, Simoni etc out the back door right away... protecting LPR's lead by getting his (Basso's) team tired. Definitely not impressed by the Liquigas tactics.