Stage 4: Port Willunga to Willunga - Dash

Port Willunga.

This is nice, says Pierre-Louis.

It is, says Vello. We have fond memories of cycling through here

And camping, says David. Remember when we tried to go fishing?

But we hadn't brought string, says Vello.

And the Dragon, says David. 

Yes the Dragon, says Vello. As I remember, it squeaked.

Pierre-Louis wants to hear more about the Dragon, but a wind has got up.

Curses, says Vello. This will change everything.

I agree, says David. We could find ourselves split into echelons.

What are those? asks Pierre-Louis, his mind still on the Dragon.

Small groups, says Vello. 

What's our plan then? asks David.

Where is Gaius? asks Vello.

Up ahead, says David. 

Should we try to catch up? asks Pierre-Louis.

Good idea, says Vello. You go first.

Pierre-Louis surges forward.

Vello and David continue reminiscing. 

Remember when Rousseau was disqualified for throwing stones?

Ha ha, yes I remember.....

Pierre-Louis has caught up with Gaius.

We should stick together, says Pierre-Louis. The wind has got up.

You don't need to tell me, says Gaius. Where are the others?

Back a bit, says Pierre-Louis.

He gestures behind him. 

Gaius looks. What a lovely view of the sea with the red, yellow and ochre cliffs in the backgound.

But Jupiter's Jellies! The peloton has been split.

All the riders have their heads down, but the gaps are widening.

Stick with me, says Gaius. We'll protect one another.

Okay, says Pierre-Louis. Mind if we chat?

You can't give your best effort while chatting, says Gaius.

Just one quick question, says Pierre-Louis.

Yes? says Gaius. Spit it out.

Do you remember the Dragon? asks Pierre-Louis. 

Why yes! says Gaius. I was riding with the great Lu Ban. The Dragon was his bicycle. Before the race, it had been full of weapons. Being empty, it squeaked.

Who is Lu Ban? asks Pierre-Louis. 

No more questions, says Gaius. Head down and pedal. 

They pedal.

As a result, they do better than Vello and David, who, due to chatting, do not catch up.

But not as well as Bryan Coquard who surprises everyone with a sudden dash to the finish.