Stage 6: Tarbes to Cauterets- Good Legumes

Another day in the mountains.

Ugh! says David. Why do we do this?

Why do you always ask? says Vello.

For the challenge, says Gaius.

For the glory of France, says Pierre-Louis.

That counts me out, says David. Although, they do love me here.

Me too, says Gaius. 

You? says Vello.

Counted out, says Gaius. Not loved particularly. Having said that, I do have a soft spot for Tarbes.

Old Roman town is it? says David.

 Indeed, says Gaius. 

Belle appears, with Terence.

Guess what? says Terence. You've got beans in your food bags.

Surely not! exclaims Vello.

Yes papa, says Belle. Tarbois beans, the best in the world. They'll help you up the col du Tourmalet, if you're flagging.

Ha ha, jet propulsion! laughs David.

The race starts. 

Everyone has their own race plan.

Tadej Pogacar is determined he'll do better than yesterday. 

Jonas Vingegaard is determined that's not going to happen.

Sweezus, who has given up his dream (for the moment) of being King of the Mountain, is still trying to think up a good rhyme for oysters.

How's it going? asks Arthur.

Nothing fuckin' rhymes with oysters, says Sweezus. 

Try putting the oysters mid-line, suggests Arthur.

Can I do that with nuts? asks Ranger Roger.

Do what you like, says Arthur. 

I do like, says Ranger Roger. I'm sick of busting my guts over nuts.

Ha ha, laughs Sweezus. Okay now, shut up team, I'm thinking.

He idly slips a hand into his ovoid back pocket.

And pulls out a handful of beans.

Yeah, beans! Oysters were yesterday, and shitloads of words rhyme with beans.

He pedals thoughtfully up through the loops of the col du Tourmalet.

Up .

And down. Then up the next one.

The ascent to Cambasque Plateau.

The air is redolent with jet propulsion.

Has everyone snacked on those fine Tarbois beans?

And has Tadej Pogacar had more than anyone? 

Whatever the reason, it's Pogacar and Vingegaard until 2.7 k from the finish, when Pogacar attacks, winning the stage with good legs.