Stage 17: Gap to Pinerolo

Today the Tour is riding through the Alps, and passing into Italy. Belle et Bonne and Marie have hired a motor bike and a movie camera and are following the riders on the road. The first rider they catch up with is Sweezus.

Marie: Hi Sweezus! Looking good! Are you feeling better today?

Sweezus: Whoah! What are you two doing here? You aren't allowed to ride beside the peloton!

Belle et Bonne: Too bad, because we are. Would you like a Power Bar, Sweezus dear?

Sweezus: Thanks Belle. And yes, I'm feeling a lot better today although I've still got the runs. It was bad luck about that Duck a la Limoux. But do you know what Gustave is saying?

Belle et Bonne: No. What is he saying?

Sweezus: He reckons Violetta is at the bottom of it. He thinks that she somehow poisoned the Duck in order to give him and Gaius the runs so that they would ride faster.

Marie: Oh that's hilarious! Why would she poison herself as well?

Sweezus: Gustave thinks she's capable of anything.

Belle et Bonne: Well, that lets us off the hook then. But we're sorry, Sweezie darling. And about letting everyone drink too much as well.

Sweezus: Don't worry, Farky and I didn't drink too much. Farky didn't drink anything but water. By the way, Farky's made friends with Alberto Contador's dog at last. Could be handy. Well, better get my skates on. Bye girls, and thanks for the Power Bar!

Sweezus put his head down and started pedalling. Belle et Bonne and Marie zoomed up the road and soon drew alongside The VeloDrone and Le Bon David, who were pedalling furiously uphill.

The VeloDrone: Marie! Belle et Bonne! What are you doing on that motor bike?

Marie: Filming you! Smile!

Le Bon David: You naughty girls. As if you haven't caused enough trouble already.

Belle et Bonne: It wasn't us, it was Violetta.

Le Bon David: What was? Has there been another graffiti incident?

The VeloDrone: Another! Has there been one?

Le Bon David: I thought someone sploshed a blob of paint on the Virgin's nose back at Lourdes?

Belle et Bonne: That was just a rumour. Hey guess what we just heard? Farky has made friends with Alberto Contador's dog!

The VeloDrone: Brilliant! At last! We'll get some inside information on his race plan. Now girls, make yourselves useful!

Marie: How?

The VeloDrone: Give us a tow up this hill.

Belle et Bonne: Papa!