Another hilly stage, with all the climbs at the end.
They're going to be tired, says Belle.
I'm already tired, says Terence.
Belle is loading him up with musettes.
That's not like you, says Belle. You never get tired.
Tired OF, says Terence.
Of what? asks Belle.
Of seeing parrots fly past and not stopping, says Terence.
Maybe you need to attract them, says Belle.
How? asks Terence.
We'll work that out when we get to the feed station, says Belle.
They climb on the scooter and go.
Woo! The peloton has been setting a blistering pace.
Everyone is trying to get into a breakaway, while preventing the others.
But they still need to eat.
Phew! says David. What's all the hurry?
Beats me, says Vello. But we mustn't get dropped off the back.
Aaarghh! cries Denis Diderot, slowing dramatically.
What the dickens? shouts Vello.
I'm being drawn towards the back, shouts Denis Diderot.
You idiot! says Vello. Catch up!
Denis Diderot speeds up again and passes his team mates.
That wasn't funny, says Vello.
No it wasn't. says David. You need to say something.
I intend to, says Vello.
He and David speed up
Denis has reached the feed station first.
There stands Terence, waving an oyster.
Denis grabs it.
Wah! cries Terence. That wasn't for you!
But Denis Diderot has begun to consume it.
That wasn't much of a snack, thinks Denis Diderot.
He forges on.
Terence is left with an extra musette.
Don't worry, says Belle. Here's another oyster
A parrot flies down.
Hello, says Terence.
Hello, says the parrot.
It may not be a parrot. It looks like an oystercatcher.
Is that for me? asks the oystercatcher.
Do you know Roo-kai? asks Terence.
A friend of Saint Roley? asks the oystercatcher.
YES! says Terence. Has he sent me a message?
He is coming, says the oystercatcher, snapping at the oyster.
It swallows the oyster.
Mmm, Cancale oysters are the best oysters, says the oystercatcher.
It flies off.
That was good, says Belle. Now you know that he's coming.
It seems everyone is coming.
Here comes Sweezus. And Arthur. And Gaius.
They take their musettes.
They will appreciate what's in them.
Cancale oysters, and crepes in salted caramel sauce. Kept separate, in little containers.
Okay, but what about the rest of the riders? What's happening on the Mur-de-Bretagne?
Could it be Tagej Pogacar, launching his final attack, passing Jonas Vingegaard, and Oscar Onley in his usual fashion?
It is.
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