Around the World the story had been told, About a Race that would in time unfold, Which would intrigue all, lofty or lowly, With stakes higher than any in history.The outcome would turn out to affect Even those who didn’t participate or bet. Irresistibly altering everyone’s course In subtle or brutal ways for better or worse.Finally the season came for which many long had yearned. And then dawned the day on which all eyes were turned To such a spectacle as rare as one would ever see. Quite possibly the only of its kind to ever be.