The story so far Cycling historian Claude B Dawes has been summoned to meet the mysterious Dr Rudolph Moeller after being sent a fax of a strange symbol branded on a dismembered M7 ‘low racer’ bike

Dawes looked at the vehicle before him. It was like nothing he had ever seen before. The highly aerodynamic design was completely seamless with minimal ground clearance. The wheels upon which it rested were almost completely hidden, making it appear to hover silently.

‘What model is that?’ Dawes felt annoyed that he could not put a name to this object.

‘M7 Carbon Fibre Ultra Tandem Velomobile - new technology.’

He looked carefully at the all-black machine. Flying from the back was an orange flag with the M7 logo. ‘I’ve been asked to take you to M7 HQ - ten miles east of Amsterdam.’ The lycra clad driver seemed to consider this an ordinary request.

‘But how will we cross the Channel?’ Dawes had a fear of flying, sailing and pedal-powered submarines.

‘The service duct on Eurotunnel is ideal for this to use. Once the orange flag on the back is down we’re practically invisible... and we can get under the security barrier more easily. Being carbon fibre we’re totally radar proof too.’

Claustrophobia closed in. There were no windows in the back of the diminutive vehicle. Once settled on board though, he quickly relaxed as they headed south to Dover, the velomobile slipping silently and quickly through the night.