Stage Nine: Nantua to Chambery - Risk Of Demons

Everyone is nervous.

It's a day full of risk, and descents that are tricky.

The demons are exulting today.

Come on, Arthur, says Sweezus. Stop dreaming.

I wasn't, says Arthur. I was thinking of demons.

Don't think of demons, says Gaius. It only encourages them.

What the fuck, Arthur? says Sweezus. Demons?

Chris Froome zooms by.

Richie's writing a poem, says Arthur. I'm going to help him.

Why didn't he ask me? says Sweezus.

I'm the poet, says Arthur.

Yeah but you've given it up, says Sweezus. I'm creative.

Well, he asked me, says Arthur.

Which is not true. Richie didn't.

Vello and David catch up to Team Condor.

Taking it easy are we? says Vello. Very wise. Today'll be tricky. Could blow the field wide open.

Alberto Contador whizzes by.

Go Alberto, says David.

Why did you say that? asks Vello.

I'm quite fond of Alberto, says David.

Catch him up then, says Vello.

David grins. He is in a good mood today. Not because of the tricky nature of the course. That is a nuisance. But tomorrow there will be a picnic.

Look at him, says Vello. He's dreaming of the picnic.

Me too, says Arthur. Belle always does a good picnic.

Did you know she's invited the clowns, asks Vello.

What clowns? asks Sweezus.

The ones that are keeping an eye on young Terence, says Vello. She wants to thank them.

They took him into a labyrinth yesterday, says David. At Station des Rousses. I bet he liked that.

Lucky little fellow, says Vello. O to be young and have no responsibilities.

Jacobi drops back. He has been riding behind Warren Barguil, but given up.

Phew! says Jacobi.

Later, he will say  it again.

.....

It is later.

The tour has ascended Mont du Chat.

Now the riders are descending.

It is hard to be cautious with demons exulting.

Too late, Richie spots them.

Crash!

But it's not bad for everyone.

Rigoberto Uran comes first.

Warren Barguil second.

And Chris Froome the lucky comes third.