Thinking Of Bears

The final week of the Vuelta.

Another mountain stage today, finishing at Lagos de Covadonga.

There should be a good view from there, says Pablo, to a second Pablo.

The beautiful lakes, says the second Pablo. And perhaps we shall spot a brown bear.

A brown bear? says the Kroombit tinker. Don't they eat people?

Not when they're on bikes, says Pablo.

Bears on bikes? says the tinker.

The Pablos laugh, and head for the start line.

Ben O'Connor is there, in his red jersey.

Go well today, says Pablo.

Thanks, says Ben O'Connor. Every second is precious. Any news of Baby Pierre?

Not yet, says Pablo. We think he may have fallen into a ravine,

But we don't KNOW! says the tinker. He might just be sulking.

Bang! The riders ride out of Luanco. 

The first 70 kilometres are relatively flat.

Pablo rides alongside Marc Soler for a while.

I have a good feeling about today, says Marc Soler.

Then you should go with it, says Pablo. But watch out for bears.

You're kidding me, says Marc Soler. Never seen one.

Me either, says Pablo.

Marc Soler pedals away, thinking about bears, and what would he do if he saw one, probably freak out and go even faster.... but that may not be smart.... it depends on the timing.... 

He tells himself not to think any more about bears.

Pablo hears trouble behind him.

A crash has occurred.

He forges ahead. As you're supposed to.

The Kroombit tinker has turned back to look.

Could it be Baby Pierre who has caused it? Which would mean Baby Pierre was okay.

Because he never gets hurt in the crashes he causes.

It's Wout van Aert, in a crash with some others.

Wout is bleeding. He gets back on his bike, but has to get off again.

That's it for him. 

The tinker looks around for Baby Pierre. 

But if he was here, he now isn't.

She looks skywards.

A bearded vulture flaps slowly away.

She keeps riding. Trying to catch up with Pablo.

Up the steep slopes of the Covadonga.

It is wet now and misty. 

Marc Soler has reached the summit first and commenced the downhill run to the finish.

He wins the stage, in conditions of low visibility.

He was right to stop thinking of bears.