The weather is better today, and the course is flattish.
The long breakaway by Armindo Fonseca looks easy.
In the middle of a slow moving peloton, Arthur and Pablo are at work on their Sticky Note poems.
How's this? says Pablo. This is for Sticky Note Two:
Don't fall off,
it would slow us both up
if the tight skin of your shoulder
or the sharp curve of your knee
should rupture and split open
like an over ripe tomato.
I like it, says Arthur.
Gracias, says Pablo.
They are passed majestically by Alberto Contador, flanked by Team Tinkoff.
He'd like it, says Pablo.
Yes, says Arthur. He invented the rule.
Have you completed Sticky Note One yet? asks Pablo.
I think so, says Arthur. Listen:
The road swallows the forest,
black reeds choke the gullet
of a violet eel, stiffening
in the gashed scarlet air.
Know where your team is.
It's arresting, says Pablo. And I like how the rule's at the end, as an afterthought.
That's what it was, says Arthur. I got carried away with my method.
Speaking of things stiffening, says Pablo, as Team Philosophe looms up before them.
Arthur! Pablo! cries David. I've been meaning to ask you....
Hurry up, says Vello. There's an opening!
Sticky Note Three, says Pablo. Take Every Opportunity.
What are you talking about? asks Marx.
YOU ask them! says Vello, speeding into a gap between Chris Froome and Richie, followed closely by David.
Who's in charge of young Terence? asks Marx.
No one, says Arthur.
Just as I thought, says Marx. When we get to Angers, why don't you send him to me.
Okay, says Arthur. If he'll come. He doesn't think you're you now.
Not me? Why not? splutters Marx.
It's the buzz cut, says Pablo. You no longer have the ineffable look of God Almighty.
I see, says Marx. Well, get someone to mind him. I hear he's been annoying the officials.
Arthur shrugs. How?
Endless metaphysical questions, says Marx.
He speeds off, as Arthur and Pablo draw level with Richie.
Hey, says Richie. Seeing you guys are passing, wanna hear my new poem? It goes:
Far beyond my reach is the enchanted mountain
And you are on the other side, ten thousand peaks away.
Bright burns your candle in its fiery lantern
And.........I haven't got the last line yet.
How about, 'the yellow jersey won't be mine today', says Arthur.
Is it addressed to Tee Jay van Garderen, or Peter Sagan? asks Pablo.
Or Mark Cavendish? asks Arthur.
Richie looks sour.
It's not bad, says Arthur. Chinese influence?
Richie brightens.
Yes. Chinese influence. Middle Tang.
Let's know when you finish, says Arthur.
Sure, says Richie. He pedals away.
It's good when your friends are supportive.
As Richie grows small in the distance, Pablo and Arthur start laughing at something or other.......
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