I'm totally blaming old git style the damp/grey/mizzle/mildly average weather, it feels like it's been October since well last October .... being serious JM and Hutchy possibly not racing isn't good news at all given what they've been through just to get back to walking again but crashes and consequences etc are all part of the sport and that scenario will give some new faces a chance of improving along with the increased excitement/commitment/pressure that moving up the results brings for the other riders/families/crews - they'd all wish JM and Hutchy weren't injured but i'd bet they are already thinking in strictly racing terms where they might finish in the race if JM/Hutchy aren't on the grid, the opportunity might be there but it will still need taking.