Not Counting Birds

Terence trudges back for the orange peel. Picks it up.

It's in one piece, but half split in the middle.

Terence will have to be careful, so it won't break in two.

Found it? asks Gaius. Good, let us continue.

Wait, says Terence. Is there a way to join this orange peel back together?

Gaius looks. I don't think so. No.

Terence climbs into the back pack and Gaius starts pedalling.

Pedal, pedal.

Ah! What is that on the road?

Gaius stops to examine it.

It's the baby Glossy Black Cockatoo who fell off the sheoak branch earlier.

Its parents have gone. Perhaps seeking help. If so, an ill-judged decision.

Gaius picks up the unhappy baby Glossy.

What to do now?

He decides to call Arthur.

Arthur is in Flinders Chase, with Louisa.

They are not counting birds.

They are talking about Peter Sagan. 

A shoulder barge is nothing, says Arthur. I've done them myself.

But in a final sprint, says Louisa. 

When else would you do it? says Arthur.

He deserved to lose points, says Louisa. 

Arthur's phone rings. It's Gaius.

Arthur, I've found a baby Glossy, with no parents. I'm bringing it. Where are you exactly?

Not far from the entrance, says Arthur. And bad news. There's no camping.

What? No camping! says Gaius. 

Due to limited amenities, says Arthur. Open from 9-5 only.

Dear me, says Gaius. I'll be there shortly. There's still time. Meanwhile perhaps you could look for a home for the baby Glossy.

Sure, says Arthur. Louisa'll know what to do.

Will I? asks Louisa.

He's found a baby Glossy, says Arthur. He's bringing it.

Great, says Louisa. Why should I know what to do?

Meanwhile Gaius is back on his bike pedalling towards the Flinders Chase entrance.

The Baby Glossy is in the back pack with Terence.

Terence is looking after it.

What would you like? says Terence.

Ma and Pa! squeaks the Glossy.

I've only got orange peel, says Terence.

This is too awful. What if it dies?

Let's go to France and see what's happening at the top of the Suc au May, where a gruelling Stage 12 is ending.

Oh too late. It's finished.

Marc Hirschi has soloed to victory for the last 30 kilometres. Well done, Marc Hirschi!

We're in time for the sprint of the peloton though, if anyone's interested.

Here they come.

Who's in front? 

Peter Sagan.

Just look at his face.