Despondence

Despondence in the Team Gymnosophy camp! Gymnosopher Ten has not gained the ochre jersey at the end of Stage Four. To know why, we must return to Cibo's in Norwood yesterday morning, where Marie and Angel are chatting with Lance Armstrong over an expresso.

Lance Armstrong: So, hard answers eh? That's the wisest thing I've heard all week. If not all year. You are one smart cookie, Angel.

Angel: Thanks.

Marie: Ahem.

Lance Armstrong: Well, better be off, the race starts soon.

Marie: Hasn't it started already?

Lance Armstrong: No, that was the Community Challenge. They set off a couple of hours ago..

Marie: Oh dear. I must call my uncle. He and Gym Ten are riding in the wrong race!

Lance Armstrong: Hey, tough luck! I hope they get back in time for the start.

******

Stage Five, the next day, McLaren Vale to Willunga. Marie and Angel are riding at the front of the peloton. The Velodrone and Gym Ten are lagging towards the rear. Lance Armstrong is somewhere in the middle.

Angel: I can't help feeling responsible.

Marie: No, it was their own fault. They should have noticed that everyone was wearing yellow.

Angel: And looked like a different class of rider entirely.

Marie: Yes. They were too busy talking philosophy I bet. By the way Angel, can I ask you something? Do you answer all questions the same?

Angel: With hard answers? Yes.

******

Meanwhile, further back:

Lance Armstrong: And this guy said "Hard questions have hard answers". How brilliant is that?

Robbie McEwen: Man, that's awesome!


******

Meanwhile, even further back:

The VeloDrone: Don't look so grim.

Gym Ten: I feel like giving up.

The VeloDrone: Come, come, remember you are a Gymnosopher, and you are riding a magnificent bicycle, a gift from Alexander as a reward for your wisdom.

Gym Ten: Yes.......but I've lost the ochre jersey and now Angel is in front.

The VeloDrone: Exactly! So now, Gym Ten, it's time to use our noggins!