A bike rattles along a cobblestone lane, leaving behind the irresistible aroma of a freshly baked baguette balanced expertly in the basket.
The daily ride to the boulangerie is the essence of French provincial life.
However, with Flynn Sweeney on the pedals, the leisurely Gallic routine has the potential to transform into a pulsating thrill ride - like the Tour de France, BMX style.
The ADCO Sports Excellence Scholarship recipient will realise a childhood dream when he says au revoir to his studies for a semester to relocate to France.
The Bachelor of Commerce student has an opportunity to live and train with elite athletes, international stars Michael Bias and Jeremy Rencurel, from his sponsor’s stable, French manufacturers Inspyre Cycles.
It is also an audacious bid to earn selection in the Australian side for the World Titles in August.
It has been a frustrating few months for Sweeney after finishing second at the Aussie titles in Perth last year.
After a disappointing showing at the Oceania Championships, Sweeney has two chances to impress the national selectors, over the opening two rounds of the National Cup in Shepparton next month and then at the French round of the World Cup in Avignon in June.
“We had an Oceania championship this year and I made a mistake and didn’t do very well, so I now need to do really well in Shepparton and at the first World Cup in France to make the Australian team for the World Titles,” he said.
“I’m still definitely in consideration, which is why I’ve made the decision to defer my studies for a semester, go over to Europe and have a real go at it.
“I have always wanted to do it. Before I got the scholarship offer to come to Bond I was going to spend a year there, where I could really focus on my sport but also immerse myself in another culture.
“But my position has turned out much better, thanks to ADCO.
“I’m really enjoying university life and I’m loving my course and now with this opportunity I’ll get that taste of living and training in Europe that I dreamed of, just over a shorter time, and will still be able to gain my degree.’’
The 20-year-old will contest two World Cup rounds for Australia, in France and the Netherlands, and will stick around until the end of August to take in a handful of European Cup professional events.
It is a packed schedule that won’t leave him with a lot of spare time.
“The European Cups attract a world class crowd, especially because we have a world title in August, so that will be great experience for me,” he said.
“I’ll be living the life of an elite athlete, much like I do here but without the extra load of study.”
“So it will be busy, but I will try to experience as much of French life as I can.
“I don’t speak French and unfortunately, I won’t be learning it in the time I’ve got here. I’ll have to be content with what I can pick-up on Duolingo.
“But the Tour de France is on while I‘m over there so I look forward to checking that out.”