Before the race.
Humboldt is talking to Belle.
While we all love the mini potatoes, they are not very filling, says Humboldt.
No more potatoes, says Belle. Today it's leek flan and baked apple in pastry.
Excellent, says Humboldt. And one more thing. Your father.
That frilled collar, says Belle. No need to tell me, I know. I told him no clown costume.
It's only a collar, says Humboldt. Quite romantic.
It's not like him, says Belle. A funny wig I could understand.
Of course, says Humboldt. Perhaps he has too little to do.
He has to mind Terence, says Belle. And he's made friends with Elie Fréron.
I can't help thinking I know Elie Fréron, says Humboldt.
Some Counter-Enlightenment guy, says Belle. You'd think they'd be enemies.
Different times call for different measures, says Humboldt.
How true.
Today is another flat one.
(Which is not different).
There are two categorical climbs.
(Which are).
It is the last chance for the sprinters in this part of the country.
Different measures are planned.
Team Condor for example.
Sweezus: Anyone for a chocolate?
Arthur: Me
Pablo Neruda: Is it dark chocolate?
Sweezus: Yeah. Half are dark chocolate and half are milk chocolate.
Pablo Neruda: I'll have a dark one.
So we see that Team Condor's different measures are dark and milk chocolate.
The race unfolds through flat green and yellow countryside brightened by sunshades and flags, and the occasional pointy roofed chateau.
There are mutterings of plans.
Peter Sagan is determined to keep out of trouble.
Andre Greipel and Fernando Gaviria are not.
Their minds are at the finish.
They will win today no matter what.
Vello is at the finish with Froggy Fréron. They are both munching baked apples in pastry.
O bliss, says Froggy Fréron. Crusted sugar.
He wipes his fingers on his green gnome hat.
Crumbs fall into Terence's lunch box.
Fat-head! says Terence.
Hush, says Saint Roley. Don't call him a fat-head. I'll get the crumbs out.
He pecks at the sugary crumbs.
The crowd is expectant. But they do not expect something different.
Here come the sprinters. Greipel, Gaviria, Sagan, Groenwegen, at the gallop.
But now! What is happening? A jostle?
Groenwegen takes advantage of the jostle and surges forward to win for the second time running.
Go him.
Greipel and Gaviria are disqualified for jostling, and do not come second.
Peter Sagan who stayed out of trouble comes second.
But he is not fond of this method.
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