Stage Six - Find Heaven And Lose It

The final stage. Street circuit, in Adelaide. Five laps.

It's all over, says Sweezus. All Impey has to do is stay up with the leaders.

Anyone could still win today, says Arthur.

Yeah right, says Sweezus. That'll be André Greipel.

How is it you think you know this? asks Pablo.

See that pom-pom umbrella? says Sweezus. Under it. That's Farky.

So what if it's Farky? says Pablo. Does he know the future?

He predicted Richie's win yesterday, says Sweezus.

But who did not expect Richie to win yesterday? says Pablo.

Okay, I'll give you that, says Sweezus, but today he's predicting Greipel.

I predict Caleb Ewan, says Pablo. I like the chances of the young Pocket.

Pocket Rocket, says Arthur.

Pocket Rocket, says Pablo. How it rolls off the tongue.

Sweezus laughs, so does Arthur, and the moods lifts in Team Condor.

They edge up to the start line.

BANG!

Terence is watching from the sidelines.

He is alone. Margaret has spotted Farky under the pom-pom umbrella.

Terence rips off the sun hat.

He drops it on the ground and stomps on it.

Now he can see. And he doesn't look stupid.

No one will try to kiss him.

No one is paying him any attention.

Wah! He doesn't like it.

He needs a new parrot.

The crows toots and claps and cheers mildly.

Toot toot! Stop that! It's loud. Hurrah. Shush!

Zoom. There goes Tom Jelte Slagter! Dutch chap? Won a few years ago. Remember him? Yeah!

Well he's not winning this year. See that dog under the pom-pom umbrella? Predicted Greipel to win today and Impey to win the Final General Classification.

No way! It's got to be Richie.

Zoom! there goes Vello, followed by David and Gaius.

Go boys! shouts Margaret. Go Ludwig!

Wittgenstein is right behind Gaius, having mastered the art of the slipstream.

He is coasting  and dreaming. What does he know about camping? Particularly with a lady. Will she expect him to light a fire? What with? What shall they speak of?

He is passed by several riders. It's obvious he will not win.

Margaret turns her attention to Farky.

Farky. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Gaius thinks I lost you.

Farky stares back at Margaret with predictive intensity.

Ho! says Farky. You will find heaven and lose it!

Sorry about that, says Monski. Farky, that wasn't funny.

Don't you worry, dear, says Margaret. I have no faith at all in predictions.

Farky snorts.

André Greipel and Caleb Ewan power by.

Hard to see a dog's hair between them.