Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Stage 16: Passy to Combloux - Itchy Cracks

Today it's the time trials. 

A short ride from Passy to Combloux.

Team Condor is not feeling top notch.

All that cream yesterday, says Sweezus.

And all that potato, says Ranger Roger. 

And all that beer, says Arthur.

At least today's a short one, says Ranger Roger. How hard can it be?

Yeah, as long as we do kind of average, says Sweezus. 

But we don't know what average will be, says Ranger Roger.

Until it's too late, says Arthur.

Come on, says Sweezus. Let's get to the start gate. 

They trundle across.

Hello boys, says Vello. Feeling poorly?

No way! says sweezus. We're all good to go.

Enjoy the picnic yesterday? asks David.

I learned something, says Ranger Roger.

So you did, says Gaius. You don't need a sleeve for the disappearing egg trick.

It must be for a different trick, says Ranger Roger.

But there's no time to uncover that now.

The riders roll down the slope at intervals to begin their time trial.

The rider with the best time has to sit in the hot seat. 

Wout van Aert does it in 35 minutes 27seconds.

That's awesome. Wout is so fast!

He sits in the hot seat.

Now it's Pogacar's turn. Followed by Vingegaard, who is setting out last.

Terence waits at the finish with Belle.

Are you feeling okay? asks Belle.

No, says Terence. My cracks are all itchy.

I should never have let you go over the monkey bridge yesterday, says Belle.

Zoom! here comes Tadej Pogacar.

What a speed ace. He's done it in 34 minutes 14 seconds!

Wout is booted out of the hot seat.

Pogacar sits down.

How will his arch rival Vingegaard go?

Pogacar is feeling reasonably confident in the hot seat.

Until...

Kaj za vraga!

Vingo stops the clock at 32 minutes 36 seconds!

Crikey! says Belle.


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