The Unusual Racer

Lucy tightened the scrunchies on both plaits. She looked round. On each side of her were lots of other children, ready to start the race. It would begin any minute.

All the racers made a final check of their helmets, clothing, bike frames and chains. The spectators, especially the mothers and fathers, smiled, waved, and took pictures of their little athletes. The referee shouted out the final instructions.

Lucy felt like all eyes were on her. But it wasn’t that she minded. She fastened her helmet and slipped on her sunglasses and gloves, ready for action.

The starting gun sounded. Everyone immediately set off at high speed. It was quite a long circuit. The track ran through the whole town, and even a bit further, into the fields. Each competitor had to do two laps: a total of nine kilometres.

After crossing the first four streets, three cyclists were already in front of Lucy, and now two more competitors overtook her.

She was rolling fast, with all her might — flying like a whirlwind. And she liked this feeling so much. It was her first race, though, and she had no idea how it would go.

No matter how much she tried, more and more racers overtook her. Hrrrmph, I’ll be last!, she thought to herself, feeling disheartened. Lucy had just come to the first bend and was taking the corner as fast as she could, heading to the next one.

The spectators at the side of the track were cheering the racers on.

As she and many of the contenders were crossing the city border, Lucy suddenly noticed the fastest racer approaching from behind — already on his second lap. He had an excellent bike, and what’s more, was wearing a yellow…