It's a hilly stage today. This will suit Peter Sagan.
The riders ride out of Verviers.
Now, Ouvert, says Baby Pierre. Remember our tactic?
Yes, says Ouvert. Stay on the bicycle.
That's not a tactic, says Third Sister. Our tactic's a secret. Don't say it out loud.
Chris Froome cycles past with Geraint Thomas in the yellow.
Their ears are flapping, says Third Sister.
I remember the tactic, says Ouvert.
Now that we know that they all know the tactic, and Chris Froome doesn't, let us move forward.
Vello and David are cycling along the road in a leisurely fashion.
A camera sails by on a motor bike.
Vello smiles at the camera.
Show pony! says David.
Good for the fans, says Vello. They like us smiling.
What fans? asks David.
All these people, gestures Vello. And all those watching on television at home.
David glances at the crowd banging plastic bats against a green barrier, and tooting toy horns.
He imagines those watching at home, getting annoyed at repetitive car ads for Skoda.
A wave of ennui overtakes him. It is always the same.
They are already in Luxemburg
Gaius rides up behind them.
Seen Terence? asks Gaius.
We passed him back there, says Vello. He was talking to a couple of strange-looking characters.
Clowns again, says Gaius. Should I be worried?
I don't think so, says David. Clowns love children.
Yes, clowns love children, says Vello.
Gaius is relieved.
He speeds up to draw level with Sweezus and Arthur.
Cheer up lads, says Gaius. Remember what Bruce Lee says. Be water. I didn't like it when I first heard it, but I have come round.
Great, says Sweezus. How is that helping?
Resilience, says Gaius. Water exhibits resilience.
It's just freaking water, says Sweezus. Sometimes it leaks away.
Watch me, says Gaius. And follow.
He leads out and Arthur follows.
So Sweezus does the same.
Terence is trying to find Tiny.
Where IS he? asks Terence.
Grimaldi opens his trick suitcase with a flourish.
Hoo hoo! laughs Pickelherring. What's in there?
Another suitcase, says Terence. I already know that.
But what's inside that one? asks Grimaldi.
He opens the suitcase, to reveal: An even smaller suitcase.
This is rubbish, says Terence.
Noo! cries Pickelherring. It might be the fanged demon!
Yes. It's a long race today.
But at last we're approaching the finish in Longwy at the top of the long climb of the Religieuses.
Richie Porte has a bit of a crack. It's good for the confidence.
But it looks like a battle between Peter Sagan, Michael Matthews and Dan Martin.
Argh! Peter Sagan's foot slips out of his pedal in the last few hundred metres!
But no! He sticks it back in and recovers without losing speed.
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