In fascination I watch a swallow in flight, winging strongly and furiously on the attack. Instinctively he works out his gear ratio and switches gears as required. He weaves left and right like Stephen Roche, out of the saddle on his trans Alpine climbs. Then having scaled the heights this swallow smoothly cuts swerving paths through the sky. On the descent he freewheels and wings confidently, majestically, fearlessly – then finally screams between tall buildings at awesome speeds. He is such a smooth performer! Not surprisingly he always wears the race leader’s jersey – I salute him – and here’s bubbly to you too, Stephen!