The People's Choice Classic: Realism v Optimism

Later, at Fork On The Road, beside the Torrens.

The food vans are doing great business. Sweezies Tender Cuttlies has set up right next to Squid Inc.

But who is manning Sweezies Tender Cuttlies? Not Sweezus. He will shortly be racing in the People's Choice Classic.

Here he comes now, strolling with Arthur. They wear blue Team Philosophe lycra, with green leg grips, and bright orange shoes.

Hi, Belle et Bonne! says Sweezus. How's business?

Pwff! says Belle et Bonne, blowing a stray hair from her face. It would help if you'd given us the recipe.

Shit yeah, sorry, says Sweezus. But, you're cool with it, Belle? And Janice?

Janice's head pops up over the high counter, wearing the blue pixie hat.

You guys are HOPELESS says Janice. We don't even have any cuttlies. Dad's gone out to buy some, but he must've got lost. He's been ages. Everyone was here, but now they've all gone to Squid Inc.

Arthur looks across at the queue snaking away from Squid Inc.

Squids are like cuttlies, aren't they? He ducks round the back of Squid Inc.

There are boxes and boxes of squids, just sitting there, defrosting in the late afternoon sun.

.............

Seven fifteen. The People's Choice Classic has started.

Lu Ban has shot out in front.

Who needs a lucky ribbon, a lucky python, team members?

Lu Ban has none of these.

He is the carpenter immortal, architect, engineer, designer of the Swooping Dragon Bicycle.

.........

Did you see that? says The VeloDrone.

Yes, says David. Team Everlasting Dragons. One man show.

We may as well give up right now, says The VeloDrone.

He will soon tire, says David. No one can keep up that speed. Can they?

I suppose not, says The VeloDrone. Yes, we should look on the bright side.

I wasn't looking on the bright side, says David. I was being realistic. If I should happen to appear to be looking on the bright side, I apologise.

Apology accepted, says The Velodrone. Let us be realistic. Lu Ban is said to be immortal.

I cannot accept that, says David.

And to have a lucky ribbon, says Vello.

Nor that, says David.

And a powerful snake capable of asphyxiating his enemies, says Vello.

That I can swallow, says David.

Up rides Sweezus, followed closely by Arthur

How many circuits are we doing? says Sweezus. I've forgotten.

I don't know, says Arthur. Keep riding till you hear the bell. It's one more after that.

Haha! laughs Sweezus. Arthur, you kill me.

Arthur is glad to hear that.

Richie Porte rumbles by, and drops his speed slightly, alongside Sweezus.

Read it yet? enquires Richie. Just asking.

Not yet, man, says Sweezus. Tomorrow.

Richie speeds up and heads for the front of the main peloton .

Here comes Greipel. Head down talking to Kittel.

Did you happen to hear what they said? asks the VeloDrone.

Something about ducks, replies David.