Montpellier to Albi: Pressed Hard

Today is Stage Seven, Montpellier to Albi.

Team Cannondale is leading the way.

Bugger, says Sweezus. Look's like it's the green jersey for Sagan.

Yeah, says Surfing-With-Whales. We might as well give up right now.

I heard that! says Vello, behind them. Just you keep pedalling. You never know what's around the corner.

Particularly today, says David.

Why particularly today, asks Sweezus. What's going on?

We met Freud on the road yesterday, says Vello. He's come up with a plan.

What is it? asks Surfing-With-Whales.

He wouldn't tell US! says Vello, scornfully. But we think it's to get rid of Niko. That'll be one of the main contenders out of the way.

Cool, says Sweezus, brightening up, and pedalling just a bit harder.

Surfing-With-Whales does the same.

They are on the second climb. Soon they pass Cavendish and Greipel. Then they pass Niko. He is riding quite slowly and his wheels are pressed hard to the ground.

Did you see that? says Sweezus.

Yeah, says Surfing-With-Whales. Did you?

Course I did, says Sweezus. I just asked you.

He cranes around to look back at Niko.

Bee costume? Check! Age and build? Check! Face? That looks a bit different.

Sweezus and Surfing-With-Whales keep on pedalling, until they catch up with Arthur and Unni.

Hi Unni. What's up with Niko? asks Sweezus.

Having a bad day, says Unni. That proves he's not cheating.

Awesome, says Sweezus. I'm against cheating.

What about...? begins Surfing-With-Whales.

That wasn't cheating, says Sweezus. That was stealing. It's different.

Ageless sails by, at the summit.

Wheee! says Ageless, grinning at Arthur and Unni. Behold your new captain!