Passage du Gois

Gustave is explaining the Passage du Gois to Gaius and Violetta.

It's a narrow passage between the mainland and the island of Noirmoutier. Twice a day it becomes flooded by the tide, he says.

Gaius' eyes open wide.

And we have to ride over it? I hope they have the timing right, he says.

Oh, if the tide is coming in, that makes it all the more fun, says Gustave. People drive over it in their cars all the time. There are foot races over the Passage too, beginning as the tide is receding. The runners start off running through the lapping waves.

This is crazy , says Violetta. I don't like it at all.

Don't worry, I'm sure it won't be like 1999, says Gustave.

What happened in 1999? asks Gaius.

A massive pileup of riders on the causeway, says Gustave. It created a six minute split in the peloton, dashing the hopes of some of the favourites.

Really? says Violetta. Who won?

Lance Armstrong, says Gustave.

Who? says Violetta.