This story is a work of fiction. A figment of the author's imagination. It is not meant to be big on realism. It's a fantasy. The culture around world-class women's cycling probably isn't a hotbed of lesbian lust, but wouldn't it be fun if it were?
All characters are fictitious. At the same time, they are all over 18.
***
Riding With Dirty Girls.
8. Willingen
I smiled at the headline on the Cycling Weekly website.
"THE LYONESS ROARS"
And the article was a nice read too;
"For the second time in as many races, Chloe Lyons is a race winner. After starting the season with a 4th, followed by three frustrating 2nd places, the British star finally got herself a victory - her first at World Cup level - at last week's snowy race in Italy. That first win, over Spain's Carmen Odara, was hard fought, despite the unfounded nonsense that we've heard about it from some quarters, but this week's race in Roubaix was completely different.
"Having flown out of the blocks to an emphatic holeshot, and a sizeable lead at the end of lap 1, Lyons was caught and briefly matched by Lucy van Barle and Femke van Veen mid race, but after a flurry of attacks on lap 4, the Febi-SRAM rider broke clear again and rode the rest of the race solo.
"Although van Barle and van Veen chased hard, there was no catching Lyons, who stretched her lead to a minute and a half by the finish, for an impressive victory.
'I am very happy,' she reflected after the race. 'I've had to wait a long time for it, and that was sometimes frustrating, but I knew was getting closer, and that wins would come in the end. It's especially great to win here in Roubaix, where there's so much history. I was amazed how good my legs were today. Now it's up to me to keep the momentum going.'
"Lyons now has a 29-point lead in the series, over Lucy van Barle, with World Champion Femke van Veen a further 9 points behind."
It was a totally different post-race experience than the previous week, and it was noticeable that Jake Logan had nothing to say. He'd switched his attention to some cross-country ski race; just the next sport for him to sully and, no doubt, the next one to shun him.
But it was Christmas. The time of goodwill to all men (and presumably women too) so not a time to speak ill of the dead. Well, he was dead to me.
I say Christmas, it was the week before, actually, but it was the time for buying stuff, wrapping presents etc, and I had already told a roll of sticky tape to fuck off, so it was definitely Christmas time.
The next race was on the 23rd, in Germany, and I would have to rush back to Edinburgh the day after, then drive 200 miles south to my parents' house to spend two days with them.
I love my parents in small doses, but two full days with them was a prospect I didn't relish, despite my love of Christmas dinner and all the goodies that go with it. So, I was glad I had invited Licia to spend a couple of days with me straight afterwards. It would be something to look forward to.
On the 30th, after two days together at my house, Licia and I would fly to Porto, Portugal, close to the venue for Round 8, which was on New Year's Eve.
The previous week, after the Trento victory, I'd had lots of phone calls supporting me through the Jake Logan debacle, but this week was rather different. I still had some calls, but they were much more light-hearted. Well, except for Maisie's, which became rather hot and heavy.
On the Monday, Licia called, just to touch base and confirm arrangements for her 'tween Christmas visit. She seemed quite excited, and said she was really looking forward to it (so was I). She even said it was going to be her 'real Christmas,' and 'a much better present than anything else I'll get.' Aww.
'What are you most looking forward to,' I asked, and her answer was disarmingly frank and forthright.
'Spending time in bed with you, Chloe.' Then she added, impishly, 'You're not going to banish me to the spare room, are you?'
'As if...'
I'm looking forward to a bike ride -- I want you to take me up Twatt Lane...' I cackled at her mischievous word-play. She was actually only continuing a little joke that I'd started. After I sent the picture of the Twatt Lane sign to Maisie, I'd also devilishly sent it to Licia, with the very simple caption 'Fancy a ride?' which she said made her snort coffee out of her nostrils.
'Oh I'll definitely take you for a ride up Twatt..' I said, continuing the silly sallies.
She laughed, but then more seriously, she said 'Can we spend a day in bed, Chloe? I'd love to spend a whole day, with nothing to do but doze, watch TV, eat chocolate, and fuck. Can you organise that for me?'
I smiled to myself. I liked that idea too. 'Oh I'm sure I can arrange something,' I murmured.
'Fantastic! This could be the best Christmas ever...'
'But there's a price.'
'Oh 'eck, what's that?'
'You have to bring those luscious thighs with you...'
'Well, I'm hardly going to arrive without them, am I...?...God, I haven't had sex for -- far too long.'
'Have you not?'
'No, I don't have the opportunities that you seem to. All the girls in my team are straight, apart from Pekka, and there's no chance there. I shared a room with her once, and she spent most of her time on the phone to her girlfriend in Finland. I was going crazy. I couldn't even have a wank.'
'Sounds a bit grim. Don't worry, we'll make up for it when you come here.'
'Ohh, yes please.'
After the call, I mused to myself about Licia, and how great she was. How well we got on, and how much I enjoyed her company, the easy banter between us, and her bawdy sense of humour. I also remembered what a great lover she was, and those luscious legs of hers.