Stage Ten: Saint-Flour to Albi - Splits

A flat stage today. A transition.

So they all say.

But they have not allowed for the cross winds.

And raw ambition.

.....

At the start in Saint-Flour, Nietzsche is approached by a sturdy old fellow.

Are you the one who rode up the wrong mountain?

Yes, admits Nietzsche. I shan't do that today.

A message for you, says the sturdy old fellow.

Nietzsche waits.

I am Saint-Flour, says the old one.

Nietzsche rolls his eyes. Not another!

Open your heart, says the old one.

Is that the best you can do? asks Nietzsche. You do realise I'm competing in the Tour de France.

But tomorrow is a rest day, says Saint-Flour. There will no doubt be a picnic.

Thank you, says Nietzsche. I'll take that on board. Now, if you'll excuse me...

Certainly, says Saint Flour, striking a rock with his staff, (which I neglected to mention).

Water dribbles out.

......

Sunshine, on the long ride towards Albi.

Lilian Calmejane attacks early.

He wants to win in his hometown of Albi.

But he is reined in.

.....

pedal pedal...

Arthur is bored.

He takes out a banana.

Sweezus and Sprocket have not brought bananas.

Arthur splits the banana.

......


Thirty five k from the finish:

The croswinds cause chaos.

A bunch split.

Thomas is on the right side of it, wouldn't you know it.

Pinot, Fuglsang, Uran and Porte are trapped behind.

They lose a valuable minute forty.

.....

Vello is thinking about tomorrow, a rest day.

Not before time.

Team Philosphe is not as young as it used to be.

He hopes Belle will provide a good picnic.

.....

The finish. It was always going to be the sprinters.

It is.

Wout van Aert, Elia Viviani and Caleb Ewan, in that order.

Third. Caleb won't be happy.