A flat stage. A chance for the sprinters.
How are you at sprinting? asks Vello?
All right, says-Surfing with-Whales.
Then you have my permission to go for a victory, says Vello.
Cool, says Surfing-with-Whales.
But other team leaders have said the same thing to their sprinters too.
Surfing-with-Whales speeds up and makes his way to the front of the peloton.
I didn't mean him to take off immediately, says Vello.
You should have said, says David. Want me to chase him?
We'll both chase him, says Vello.
They make their way to the front of the peloton in time to see Baptiste Veistroffer breaking away.
Should I join him? asks Surfing-with-Whales.
No don't, says Vello. Stay here at the front of the peloton, until I say otherwise.
Mads Pedersen is surprised to see Vello and David at the front of the peloton.
Hello guys, says Mads Pedersen. Fancy your chances today?
We always fancy our chances, says David.
Depending on how you interpret the words, says Vello.
Which words? asks Mads Pedersen. Fancy or chances?
Vello is about to explain when Mads thinks the better of waiting for an answer.
He speeds up without waiting.
But Pablo has been listening, from a position close behind.
Fancy? says Pablo. Am I right?
You! says Vello. I bet you're wishing you'd joined us instead of Team Movistar.
It is early days, says Pablo. Team Movistar has some very good riders.
As good as Nairo Quintana? asks Vello.
Certainly, says Pablo. We have Cian Uijtdebroeks and Raul Garcia.
And your reliable self, says David.
Pablo realises he is losing his position at the front of the peloton, by chatting this way.
He suspects Team Philosophe are doing it deliberately.
I'm off ! says Pablo.
So soon? says Vello.
I wish to continue to fancy my chances, says Pablo.
Funny chap, says David. By the way, where is Surfing-with-Whales?
Surfing-with-Whales has sped off as well.
Vello and David are soon at the back of the peloton.
They pass the feeding station, and grab their musettes from Belle.
Tarbais beans! shouts Belle. And spit-roasted cake!
That's some consolation, says Vello.
What is? asks David.
The spit-roasted cake, says Vello.
I'm sure the beans will help us on our way, says David.
They munch the beans, knowing that David is right.
And what is happening at the front now?
Baptiste Veistroffer has been reeled in at last.
Surfing-with-Whales has run out of puff, as has Pablo.
Here come some sprinters who not all of us have heard of.
Olav Kooij, of Team Decathlon, Max Kanter of XDS Astana, and Tim Merlier of Soudal Quickstep.
Placing first, second and third in that order.
Good on them. They must have fancied their chances.
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