I called into the Medical Centre at Fougères on the way out, and told them I had a sore neck. I asked for a medical exemption certificate. Cunning eh.
They offered me a medical exemption certificate but said that I would be disqualified if I used it. I'm not sure they understood what a medical exemption certificate is for. Not so cunning after all. Also, in all the rush to get a hat before the ride, it turns out I got the fit wrong. I'm really disappointed in the last minuteness of the change, giving me no time to prepare. Anyway, what's done is done. I'll get a better fit for 2027 - meanwhile back to the joy of caps.