I do not agree with this. Vainsteins, Camenzind and Dhaenens, ok, that were dark horses and were never really the top riders that should be a World Champion. But I am sure that Mads Pedersen will become top of the sport, he is only 23! Just like Oscar Freire showed after his first win. He won it another time, and he won Milano - San Remo in his way, surviving as long as possible and then sprinting for it, a few times.
And Lance Armstrong was not a big name when he became World Champion is Oslo, but eventually he became the biggest name there could be. So, watch out for Mads in the coming years!
Jairzinho