Stage two will be hilly, with a mountain finish.
The riders are back in the saddle.
The spectators are on their best behaviour.
There is Marcel, in his wig. He is playing a flute, with an infant beside him.
A little further along the grass verge, beside a stone wall, stand the bishops.
Team Condor rides past the bishops.
Arthur has one bandaged knee.
The bishops nod to him benignly.
Here comes Froomey, looking sore in the hip and the chest.
And Alaphilippe, resplendent in yellow.
And Team Philosophe. How is Gaius?
Vello and David are encouraging Gaius.
Can't you try harder?
Gaius is nursing a sore shoulder, and trying as hard as he can.
The bishops, who are saints as well, regard one another.
Saint Arnoc: We ought to help them.
Saint Ténénan: Why?
Saint Arnoc: We took part in the team presentation.
Saint Ténénan: Which was naughty enough.
Saint Arnoc: Are you with me or against me?
Saint Ténénan: I'm with you of course.
Saint Arnoc: We can do nothing now, but will offer our services tomorrow.
Saint Ténénan: So let it be.
Saint Arnoc: Oh look, here comes Mathieu van der Poel. Such a dear boy, riding to honour his grandpa.
Saint Ténénan: If he wins today's stage, he will do better than his grandpa. Pou-pou always came second.
Saint Arnoc: Perhaps Mathieu intends to come second.
Saint Ténénan: Which would honour his grandpa the most, coming first or second?
Interesting as this debate is, the riders are nearing the finish and we must catch up or miss it.
It's the second time up the Mûr-de Bretagne.
Mathieu van der Poel is in front. Others make attempts to pass him.
But no go. Neither Pogacar nor Roglic can do it.
Mathieu wins, but Pou-Pou (who died recently) is unable to give an opinion.
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