Bastia to Ajaccio: Pipped Again

It's the second day of the tour, in Corsica. Bastia to Ajaccio.

Ageless is up near the front. Saint Niko is coasting along in the slipstream. Unni and Arthur are riding side by side in the middle of the main peloton.

We peaked too soon yesterday, says Unni. And it was all wasted. Everyone got the same time.

Doesn't matter, says Arthur. We've still got Niko.

We can't depend on Niko, says Unni. He may get disqualified. Did you see how he was riding?

Yes, says Arthur. That's why we'll win.

I'm sure it's illegal, says Unni.

Surfing-With-Wales and Sweezus ride up behind Unni and Arthur, then draw level.

Hi Unni, says Surfing-With-Wales.

Unni doesn't answer.

Sweezus and Surfing-With-Whales draw ahead.

How do you think that went? asks Surfing-With-Whales.

She's not into you, says Sweezus. Believe me I know.

You know? says Surfing-With-Whales. What do you know?

She's into Arthur, says Sweezus. It's obvious.

Yeah but Arthur... says Surfing-With-Whales. He's not into her.

He wasn't, says Sweezus. But now something tells me he might be.

This is news to Surfing-With-Whales, but before he can ask any more questions it is time for the intermediate sprint. He has to speed up and stop talking.

There are also four climbs in the stage.

David and Vello are finding it hard.

Why do we do it? puffs David. Year after year......except last year.

To prove that we can, says Vello.

Is that not ridiculous when examined in the cold light of logic? says David.

How is it ridiculous? says Vello.

It is circular, says David. If we didn't do it there would be no need to prove that we can. Indeed no possibility......

Shut up, David, Says Vello. All this thinking is making you puff. Look there's Belle et Bonne!

Belle et Bonne is standing at the side of the road under a cork oak, holding out a bag.

Vello grabs it.

Thank you darling! he cries.

Good luck papa! Good luck David! cries Belle et Bonne. You can do it!

All I really want to do, says Vello, chewing a Power Bar, is beat Team Provenance. That Niko!

Phew, says David. Me too. That cheater.

.......

That cheater is up in the breakaway peloton, flying along. The race is almost over. It is very exciting.

Will Saint Niko win?

No. Jan Bakelants pips him, by a second.