C'mon, he didn't say he could counter AC, he said AC was the only guy
who could drop him. IOW, he couldn't stay with AC either, but he
could stay with everyone else. I think he's also talking about his
current form, btw, and not declaring he's the second best climber in
pro cycling.

Given how he rode LL, TD, and AS off his wheel, I'd say he may be
right (for now).

Even if he's not right, I'm gonna cut him some slack. He's earned it.