Indurain was the product of a certain stage in the development of cycle racing science. All the elements came together to allow him to dominate. The optimum cyclists were big and strong, but slimmed down to allow them to climb. Riis and Ullrich were in the same mould. Pantani was a blip, an anomoly. Armstrong was a mobile pharmacological test bed, whose importance to the sport allowed him to concentrate on very specific training regimes.
Brad, and many other Sky riders, are competition-proven riders with big engines, the Olympic medals on the track prove that. They are the raw materials for the science to turn into winners. The most intriguing thing for me is the psychology. Brad is just very likeable, especially for the pro peloton. But he's also a bit vulnerable, which makes him malleable, and a bit prone to collapse. Managing those factors so that he can function as a patron is the interesting bit. Froome is more lieutenant material, Geraint could fill the role of patron.