A three HC mountains stage.
This will be cruel.
The teams roll out of Vif.
This is the last thing I feel like doing, says Denis Diderot.
Let's hope it isn't, says Vello.
If only I could get someone to ride in my place, says Denis Diderot.
That would be difficult, says David. Unless he was dressed as a chicken
Or a gorilla, says Vello.
Denis Diderot laughs, but these ideas set him thinking.
If you're contemplating something foolish, think again, says Vello.
It may not be so foolish, says Denis Diderot. But it's too late to try it today.
A breakaway is forming.
Are we trying for the breakaway? asks David.
No, says Vello. We'll just stay with the peloton, and try not to drop off the end.
A fine ambition, says David.
They have crested the Col du Glandon, and are now speeding down.
They pass Sweezus who is trying to do up his jacket.
You're supposed to put it on before the summit, puffs Vello.
You don't say, says Sweezus. I only just got it.
Did Belle give it to you? asks Vello, but his question is blown away by the strong mountain winds.
At the summit behind them, Belle and Terence are waiting for Arthur.
Here comes Arthur now.
How's Sweezie going? asks Belle.
Good, says Arthur. We're having a poetry competition to take our mind off the mountain.
Great idea, says Belle. See you at the feeding station.
Arthur speeds down the the slopes to catch up with his captain.
Gaius comes next.
Look! says Terence. I've got a new finger!
He holds up his new finger, which glows red at the tip.
Wonderful, puffs Gaius.
Are you in the poetry competion? asks Belle.
Yes, says Gaius. I'm planning to compose my poem in Latin.
Good luck then, says Belle. Only two more mountains to go.
Gaius speeds down the Col du Glandon, contemplating Terence's finger.
It's good to have something to divert one's mind from the future.
It should have a place in his poem. Digitus lucens. Arthur will be astonished.
Unless he saw it too.
Two more mountains to go.
On th Col de la Madeleine, Vingegaard goes over the top ahead of Pogacar.
But on the Col de la Loze, Ben O'Connor goes solo at 16 k from the finish, to win the queen stage.
Good for him.
Pogacar has to make do with second, while you-know-who has to make do with third.
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