Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Criterium International Stage 3: Embracing the Victory

Jean-Christophe Peraud's (AG2R) gambling attack paid off, and paid off big.  Not only did he take the stage victory on the summit of the Col d'Ospedale, but his time gap was enough to give him the overall victory and the Maillot Jaune for winning the Criterium International.  Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) finished just behind him on the general classification, just as he did in the 2014 Tour de France.  This time, however, they were both one step higher on the podium.  This is a good sign for French cycling and the coming Tour de France.  Chapeau, Jean-Christophe!

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, and yes, international shipping is available.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535456---195767/Painting.html#.VRrtIvnF-xU

Criterium International Stage 3: Another Go

Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) was desperate to chase down the fleeing Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R) but wasn't getting any help form Pinot's teammates Alexis Villermoz and Jan Bakelants.  Pierrick Fedrigo (Bretagne Seche) was happy to sit in and let the Frenchman do the work.  Given the lack of help, Pinot looked back and then gave another acceleration to rid himself of the wheel suckers.  With just under a kilometer left to race, Peraud had a tall order to make up 22 seconds on his countryman and adversary up the Col.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, and yes, international shipping is available.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535444---195767/Painting.html#.VRrrH_nF-xU

Criterium International Stage 3: Riding Away

FDJ had ridden hard for their man, Thibaut Pinot, who finished third in the 2014 Tour de France.  However it was the man who finished second overall in the Tour, Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R) that took advantage of his FDJ's efforts.  With six kilometers left to climb to the summit and the finishing line, Peraud put in a blistering attack that none of the remaining peloton was able to answer.  Would it be enough for both the stage and the Maillot Jaune?

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, and yes, international shipping is available.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535430---195767/Painting.html#.VRrpGfnF-xU

Criterium International Stage 3: Popping Off the Back

Alas, Ben King (Cannondale Garmin) could quite handle the pace that was being dished out by FDJ.  As the road went up he slide further and further down through the dwindling peloton.  Finally the Richmond boy popped off the back of the group.  A few moments later he dropped his head knowing that the Maillot Jaune would not be on his shoulders at the end of the day.  With 10 kilometers left to go, he would be hoping to finish on the podium, but that will depend on just how much he has gone into the red on the climb.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, and yes, international shipping is available.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535422---195767/Painting.html#.VRrnD_nF-xU

Criterium International Stage 3: Dishing It Out

FDJ had plans for the finale up the Col d'Ospedale, going to the front and dishing out a hard pace for their man, Thibaut Pinot.  Jeremy Roy and Steve Morabito (FDJ) pushed the pace as riders for Cannondale Garmin and Trek Factory Racing looked on, waiting of the attack that was sure to come.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, and yes, international shipping is available.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535420---195767/Painting.html#.VRrlE_nF-xU

Criterium International Stage 3: Down to Two

Chad Haga (Giant Alpecin) and Romain Feillu (Bretagne Seche) managed to ride away from their other three break away companions as they headed into Porto Vecchio.  With an intermediate sprint just ahead, Feillu convinced Haga to let him have the sprint bonus.  In a break, riders will often work out deals and alliances so that they can reach mutual benefits from their efforts.  The pair were also hoping to hit the final climb up the Col d'Ospedale with a couple of minutes advantage.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, and yes, international shipping is available.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535404---195767/Painting.html#.VRrjWvnF-xU

Criterium International Stage 3: Riding for Ben

I was very excited to see Ben King (Cannondale Garmin) riding in the Maillot Jaune!  King is a hometown boy, he is from Richmond, Virginia, where I call home.  I never thought I would see a rider from Richmond wearing a Yellow Jersey in a professional bike race back when I was racing on the club level in the same city.  Cannondale Garmin put all of the team into pulling back the break away before the final climb up the Col d'Ospedale.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, and yes, international shipping is available.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535392---195767/Painting.html#.VRrhbfnF-xU

Criterium International Stage 3: Chatting

I was unable to access the first two stages of the Criterium International, both of which were held on Saturday, March 28th.  Ben King (Cannondale Garmin) won the first stage and road well enough in the second stage time trial to start stage 3 in the Maillot Jaune of race leader.  There, now you are caught up.  As per usual, a small break away got off the front of the peloton.  Marco Canola (UnitedHealthcare) seemed relaxed as he chatted away with the American, Chad Alpecin (Giant Alpecin).  Tucked in behind the pair is Christian Mager (Cult Energy), ahead are two more riders, Romain Feillu (Bretagne Seche) and Romain Guillemois (Europcar).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steven Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company, www.richesonart.com.  The painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting, for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Enjoying reading about professional cycling with this accompanying art?  Then be sure to check out my recently publish book on the 2014 Tour de France, just google the title, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" to discover where you can order a copy from your local online book seller.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2535380---195767/Painting.html#.VRrfJfnF-xV

Monday, March 30, 2015

Gent-Wevelgem: Making His Move

Luca Paolini (Katusha) was another rider who's sprinter was left out of contention in the climbs and crosswinds of Gent-Wevelgem.  Paolini almost lost out on the last climb up the Kemmelberg, but managed to catch back up to his breakaway companions shortly after the descent.  While the others in the break look for attacks from Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) or the riders that had teammates in the group, Paolini dug deep and sprung away from the others with about six more kilometers of racing.  Those behind each looked to the other to do the chasing of the fleeing Italian.  Unfortunately for them, they spent a little too much time thinking the others would do the work.  That enable Paolini to get an uncloseable gap allowing him to claim the race as the tender young age of 38.  Chapeau!  An encouragement to all of us old guys.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

Gent-Wevelgem: Help Me Out

With rider after rider attacking the group and the others leaving it to Geraint Thomas (Sky) to chase them all down, the Brit looks back over his shoulder, trying to get a little help.  He knows he needs to bring back Luca Paolini (Katusha) and Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep) back or there is no chance for victory.  Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto Soudal) doesn't have much gas left after his solo attempt and Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx-Quickstep) isn't going to help chase down his teammate.  Apparently, Sep Vanmarck (LottoNL Jumbo) wasn't in the mood to help out either.  Thomas may be a victim of his own success and that of his team in the early races of this season.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534792---195767/Painting.html#.VRmOCvnF-xU

Gent-Wevelgem: No Man's Land

Once the peloton realized that it would never catch the seven men up the road, they basically sat up and coasted their way to Wevelgem (you realize that is quite an exaggeration).  Sylvain Chavenel (IAM Cycling) didn't care for the pace the group was riding an went off on his own in search of the groups up the road.  When a rider is in this position, between groups on the road, it is referred to being in no-man's land.  That phrase has particularly strong connotations in the fields of Belgium, where so many died in the trench warfare of the Great War (WWI).  Even the poles that will soon hold grape vines remind one of the lines of barbed wire fencing that would separate the warring sides.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534750---195767/Painting.html#.VRmLXvnF-xV

Gent-Wevelgem: Up & Over

The wide open flat roads of Belgium are broken up by short, brutally steep bergs.  The final of nine climbs on the course was the Kennelberg with sections of 28 percent gradient.  Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto Soudal) actually managed to increase his gap on the six man group of chasers behind as he scaled the cobblestone wall past the cheering fans.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534744---195767/Painting.html#.VRmIs_nF-xU

Gent-Wevelgem: A Long Lonely Road

Jurgen Roelandts (Lotto Soudal) went out for a long, long solo break.  As he came out of the small town of Dranouter, he had roughly two minutes on the chase group behind and a very long open road stretching out before him.  It is a tall order to stay off the front by one self, but Roelandts wasn't going to let the odds dissuade him.  While a break away rarely wins the day, Jens Voigt explains the effort, "If you go in a break you have a 10% chance of winning the race, if you don't, you have a zero percent chance."

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534742---195767/Painting.html#.VRmHYfnF-xU

Gent-Welvegem: Blown Off the Road

The conditions were hardly ideal to be out on a bike racing 239 kilometers on flat open roads in Belgium.  At one point, many members of the peloton argued that the race should be neutralized in consideration of the safety of the riders.  The winds were so strong that an errand cross wind gust blew Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) off of the road and into a ditch.  Fortunately for the talented Brit, he was able to roll with the fall in the grassy verge and jump back onto his bike.  He quickly rejoined the small break he had been in, apparently unscathed by his roll in the hay.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534740---195767/Painting.html#.VRmFJfnF-xU

Gent-Wevelgem: Putting His Head Down

Once the early break away had been caught, it was time for the serious contenders to try and establish an advantage.  Normally, Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx Quickstep) would be riding for his team sprinter, Mark Cavendish, but the Manx Missile had suffered mechanicals and crashes leaving him well of the pace.  Instead the big Belgium was able to use his familiarity with the conditions to press his own case.  After his move, Daniel Oss (BMC) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) put their heads down and went after the fleeing Vandenbergh.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534716---195767/Painting.html#.VRmDTPnF-xU

Gent Wevelgem: Is He Attacking?

The Spring Cobbled Classics seem to be as much about the weather as the road surface this year.  Gent Wevelgem proved to be no exception, but decided to add extremely strong winds to the equation.  The early break away comprised six riders who gain as much as eight minutes on the peloton before the sprinters' teams decided to reel them back in.  Mirko Tedeeschi (Southeast) looks over at Alex Dowsett (Movistar) trying to decide if the Brit was starting to attack or just stretching his legs in the cold.  Oblivious to all but the job at hand, Pavel Brutt (Tinkoff Saxo) keeps his head down and his pedals turning over leading the others, Tim Kerkhoff (Roompot), Alexis Gougeard (AG2R) and Albert Timmer (Giant Alpecin) across the rain soaked cobbles.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534692---195767/Painting.html#.VRmBCfnF-xU

Sunday, March 29, 2015

And then this happened... Paris Roubaix Socks by DeFeet

And then this happened... These are the newest release of Aireator Socks by DeFeet adorned with a knitted interpretation of one of my paintings. The image comes from my painting of Niki Terpstra's (Etixx-Quickstep) powerful win of the 2014 Hell of the North.  To get your own pair of these fun socks just follow this link http://defeet.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=32B4FE0497204EA898E5B2FBEBC93129.  They retail for $12.99 USD.

Yeah, every once and awhile, I just have to geek out about how this marriage of my twin passions is going.  I have always enjoyed the freedom that comes from being out on the open road on my bike, going back to my pre-teen days so very many years ago.  I still get that same thrill every time I clip into my pedals and strap on my helmet.  The only other thing (that I will mention here) that brings me that kind of joy is making art, and now I have found how to knit these twin passions together (pun intended). 

So follow the link above to get your pair of the first of five pairs of socks that DeFeet Socks and I will be creating together over the coming season.  And then follow this blog as I paint my way through the Spring Classics, the Grand Tours and finish up when the world rolls into my adoptive home town, Richmond, Virginia.  All of the paintings will appear here, and are offered for sale through my artist website at www.greigleach.com

Saturday, March 28, 2015

E3 Harelbeke: All Alone Now

Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) continued the seasonal reversal of his team today.  He made the perfect strategical move with about four kilometers left to race.  It was becoming obvious that Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) didn't have much left in his legs, so after Zdenek Stybar (Etixx Quickstep) did a pull at the front, Thomas attack the duo from the back quickly getting a gap on the pair.  Stybar waited just that briefest of moments hoping that Sagan would take up the chase.  Once he could tell the Slovak didn't have the power to go, he did his best to catch the Brit, but to no avail.  Thomas road alone to the line claiming the first British victory in the history of the E3 Harelbeke.  His victory continued the great opening of the 2015 season for Team Sky after their most disappointing 2014 season marred by injury and illness.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533376---195767/Painting.html#.VRZugvnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Any Chance?

Yohann Offredo (FDJ) who has been off the front and the back, dropped back to his team car for a little advice.  He needed to know if the gap to the three men off the front was possible to bridge.  Whether or not his director sportif actually believed it, he must have told Offredo that he could make the catch.  It was just a few minutes later that the French rider made a valiant albeit unsuccessful attempt to catch the escapees.  Once Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) crashed and his team dropped the chase, it was all over for the peloton.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533370---195767/Painting.html#.VRZsaPnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Riding Away

Once these three crested the final berg of the race, they simply rode away from the rest of the remaining peloton.  This threesome of Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep), Geraint Thomas (Sky) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) represented some very powerful cyclist.  Stybar is the current Czech National Champion, Sagan, the Slovak National Champion and Stannard is a former British National Champion.  All three possess the ability and the wit to claim victory today, although, Sagan is the defending champion wearing race bib number one.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533368---195767/Painting.html#.VRZqnvnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Hittin 'em Hard

At the foot of the Kwarmond climb, it was Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) who jumped hard on the pedals opening up a small gap on Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx-Quickstep) and his teammate, Zdenek Stybar.  Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) was just behind.  Vanmarcke's move allowed all four of these attentive riders to prize out a gap on the peloton.  Alas, the gap was closed down by Team Sky once over the summit of the berg.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533366---195767/Painting.html#.VRZohPnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Dropping Off

The early break of four riders quickly became three as Sjoerd Van Ginnekin (Roompot) dropped off of the pace as they ascended the Kapelberg.  It was Dries Devenyns (IAM Cycling) that lifted the pace on the climb, fortunately for them, Sean De Bie (Lotto Soudal) and Kristian Sbaragli (MTN-Qhubeka) were able to hold the Belgium rider's wheel.  The foursome had an avantage of four minutes on the peloton earlier in the race, but now it gap was only a minute between the two groups.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533364---195767/Painting.html#.VRZmfPnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Holding on to the Tail

The combination of a large peloton and very narrow roads made for a very long line indeed.  As the riders approached each of the 17 cobbled bergs of E3 Harelbeke, the pace would be lifted by the domestiques to get their men into the best possible position before the narrow ascents the define racing in Flanders.  For those at the back like Marc Sarreau and William Bonnet of FDJ, it can look like a long, long way to the business end of the race.  The wide open flat farm lands can also provide few places to hide from the winds of March.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533362---195767/Painting.html#.VRZkavnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Narrow Roads of Flanders

With April almost here, the ProTour dipped its wheels into the cobbles of Belgium for the first race of the season.  The Cobbled Classics make for hard racing, narrow roads and very tough sections of uneven road surfaces.  This year's E3 Harelbeke started without one of the big names of the Belgium cobbles, Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep), he crashed out early in the season, suffering a broken collar bone.  Today another big name in the classics, Fabian Canellara (Trek Factory Racing) hit the pave, while he did get back on the bike and ride further, he eventually pulled out with two fractured vertabrae.  Team Sky came to the front to chase down the four man break, putting Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Bernard Eisel on the front of the peloton.  BMC, Lotto NL Jumbo and Tinkoff Saxo waited in the wings ready to play their part in the drama of the day.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2533360---195767/Painting.html#.VRZil_nF-xU

Monday, March 23, 2015

Milano Sanremo: Out of the Fog

Daniel Loyd, announcing the race for BeIn Sports, referred to John Degenkolb's (Giant Alpecin) victory, as if he had emerged as if he had came out of the fog.  Degenkolb did start from quite away back, tucked onto the wheel of the powerful Spartacus, Fabian Canellara (Trek Factory Racing).  It was unusual not to see the very skilled lead out train of Giant Alpecin leaving their sprinter to freelance his sprint to the line in Sanremo.  The German sprinter managed to get around Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and hold off the charging Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEdge).  The pair finishing third and second respectfully.  Cancellara ended up in seventh place continuing his very long streak of finishing in the top ten of the longest of the Spring Classics.  It should be a very exciting clash on the cobbles in April.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531068---195767/Painting.html#.VRDYSvnF-xU

Milano Sanremo: Winding It Up

All of the valiant efforts to surprise the sprinters and their teams, yet again, came to naught.  As the peloton swung through the final turn having gone under the flame rouge, it was Katusha who hit the front for their sprinter, Alexander Kristoff.  Tucked onto the Norwegian's wheel were many of the other contenders including, Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEdge), Fabian Cancellara (Trek Factory Racing) and John Debenkolb (Giant Alpecin).  It seemed like it was going to be Kristoff's day with about 300 meters left of a very, very long day.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531066---195767/Painting.html#.VRDVi_nF-xU

Milano Sanremo: Getting Serious

Daniel Oss (BMC) put in the first serious attack on the peloton.  He was quickly joined by the hot Geraint Thomas (Team Sky).  Thomas has been having a brilliant early season, so the peloton behind had to take this attack seriously.  Milano Sanremo must be one of the most scenic races as it bobs in and out along the Mediterranean coast offering brilliant vistas.  Vistas that the men in spandex don't have the time to take in.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531056---195767/Painting.html#.VRDTLfnF-xU

Milano Sanremo: Alone on the Cipressa

Matteo Bono (Lampre Merida) pressed on with the advantage that he gained on the Cape Berta.  As he began the ascent of the Cipressa, he found himself on his own.  His only company was a neutral service motorcycling and one of the official's motos that supervise the race along the entire course.  The Cipressa is the penultimate climb of the race so Bono only has the much shorter Piaggio to scale before the line in Sanremo.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531040---195767/Painting.html#.VRDQ__nF-xU

Milano Sanremo: Thinning Down

As the breakaway hit the Cape Berta, one of the short step climbs ahead of the two bigger and infamous climbs that come with just a few kilometers to the line, it was Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani CSF) whose pace thinned out the break.  Seven members of the break were already dropped and it appears that Serge Pauwels (MTN-Qhubeka) and Julien Berard (AG2R) will shortly join the others.  It was only Pirazzi's countryman, Matteo Bono (Lampre Merida) that could hold the Italian's wheel.  It would be a tall order for these two to stay away, but now it is only about 40 kilometers left to race.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531038---195767/Painting.html#.VRDPKvnF-xU

Milano Sanremo: Gambling Long

A large group of eleven riders formed the early break away of the day.  It was a move that was more than the average long shot.  This group including, Stefano Pirazzi (Bardiani CSF), Marco Frapporti (Androni Giocattoli), Serge Pauwels (MTN-Qhubeka) among others, have another 100 kilometers to attempt to thwart the desires of the sprinters.  The course doesn't have enough sharp climbs to shed the sprinters, nor hide the break away from the peloton.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531036---195767/Painting.html#.VRDMl_nF-xU

Milano Sanremo: A Rather Wet Roll Out

Milano Sanremo is the longest of the Spring Classics with the peloton facing 293 kilometers of nearly all out racing.  The one saving grace is that most of the race is flat and the prevailing winds usually provide a nice stiff tailwind for most of the race.  Today it was hardly the warm shining sun one imagines when thinking of southern Italy, instead the riders where bundled up in warm clothes and rain jackets in hopes of staying warm and dry over the next six hours on the road.  Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quickstep) sported a new rain cape that showed his rainbow stripes of the World Road Racing Championship.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  They are a wonderful family run art supply company located in Wisconsin, USA.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531032---195767/Painting.html#.VRDKTfnF-xU

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Asked by a member of Lotto Soudal

Some days Twitter can provide rather exciting surprises.  I was going about daily chores when I got a message from Kris Boeckmans with two paintings attached.  Seems he wanted a painting of his most recent race victory in Nokere Koerse on the cobbles of Belgium.  If you would like me to paint your most recent race (or something from you deep past on the bike), please get in touch through my artist website at www.greigleach.com

You can follow me on Twitter,@artofcyclingand on Facebook, www.facebook.com/Greigsart  You can message me through either one of those platforms as well.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Commissioned Artwork and a Great Review of Book de Tour

Along with painting the peloton as it streaks around the world, I occasionally have the honor of doing a larger work for a specific cyclist.  This will be a surprise 50th birthday present for the gentleman leading this race through a tight corner of a downtown criterium.  I am told that he trains with and races against up and comers half his age.  Chapeau, my friend!

As I have mentioned in many of these posts over the last couple of months, I have taken my post of the 2014 Tour de France and created (and published them) in the book, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The attached link will give you the opportunity to read an excellent review that ran in the Canadian Cycling website, Pez Cycling News.

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/features/pez-bookshelf-book-de-tour/

Leslie Ressiner really understand just what I am doing with my artwork and my love of cycling.  It is a rare opportunity that one gets to combined one's two main passions in life.  I am a very lucky (and hard working) man.  Along with Amazon or many other online booksellers worldwide, you can purchase the book directly from me through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  The direct link to purchase the book is...

http://www.greigleach.com/gallery/201710/Book+de+Tour/#.VQoC701FDIU

Monday, March 16, 2015

Ronde van Drenthe: With Arms Stretched Wide

It was a small select peloton that entered the final kilometer of Ronde van Drenthe.  The multiple corners and roundabouts made it difficult for the Wiggle Honda sprint train to get organized, but get organized they did.  It was with well order precision that they delivered there fast woman, Jolien D'Hoore, at full speed so she could show some fierce sprinting legs and her Belgium National Champion's Jersey.  Chapeau!

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Professional%20Women's%20Cycling/2526230---207546/Painting.html#.VQZ0HY7F-xU

Ronde van Drenthe: Are They Coming?

After attacking each other over and over, the next to get away were the foursome of Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle Honda), Chantel Blaak (Boels Dolman), Jeanne Korevaar (National Team Netherlands) and Tiffany Cromwell (Velocio-SRAM).  The group got up to 28 seconds on the peloton but it was Borghini who kept looking back over her shoulder trying to see if the others were closing on them.  Alas, this group was caught just like every other escape artist who had taken her shot.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Professional%20Women's%20Cycling/2526228---207546/Painting.html#.VQZyFI7F-xU

Ronde van Drenthe: Leaving Then All Behind

Today's racing was extremely aggressive with rider after rider charging off of the front of the ever dwindling peloton.  This time it was Barbara Guarischi (Velocio-SRAM), who pushed off on her own.  Unfortunately for her, the long straight roads didn't give her much of a place to hide from the group.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Professional%20Women's%20Cycling/2526226---207546/Painting.html#.VQZv6Y7F-xU

Ronde van Drenthe: Leading Them Up the Rise

Lizzie Armistead (Boels Dolman) was joined by her teammates including Chantel Blaak as they made the penultimate climb of the day.  Armistead had obviously identified this section of the short narrow climb to try and stamp or authority on the race.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Professional%20Women's%20Cycling/2526224---207546/Painting.html#.VQZuP47F-xU

Ronde van Drenthe: Stopping to Help

One of the things I feel I need to work on is helping to bring attention to Professional Women's Cycling and just how exciting the sport is to watch.  The problem, finding access to video coverage.  I was delighted this evening to find coverage of the Ronde van Drenthe on YouTube this evening.  So here is my second foray into cyclisme feminine, the first being the inaugural running of La Course on the final day of the 2014 Tour de France.

The first piece of video showed a very large crash with riders going off into the muddy ditches on each side of the narrow roadway.  Something I have never seen the men do was Claudia Lictenberg (Liv Plantir), who had not crashed, going down into the ditch to help Megan Guarnier (Boels Dolman) out of the mud and into a slightly more comfortable position.  Lictenberg then got back up to the road and road off to rejoin the peloton.  Guarnier's day was done as the medics took over her care.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Professional%20Women%27s%20Cycling/2526222-1-0-207546/Painting/Sports.html#.VQZsIo7F-xU

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Paris Nice Final Stage: Climbing Into Yellow

Richie Porte (Team Sky) resplendent in his National kit of the Australian Time Trial Champion started the day in second overall hoping to make up over 30 seconds on the Lotto Soudal Frenchman, Tony Gallopin.  Porte was confident he could get into the final Maillot Jaune having scaled the final road stage climb 25 seconds faster than his adversary.  Like his teammate, Geraint Thomas, Porte fell hard on the descent off of that mountain but was fortunate to jump back up uninjured.  Obviously as indicated by the spectators in serious rain gear, it wasn't the best conditions to race in, but Porte could take comfort knowing that today's climb would not be followed by a descent.  Porte's ride was enough to condition the recent tradition of whomever wins this time trial also wins the Race to the Sun.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525984---195767/Painting.html#.VQXPUo7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Driving All the Way

Simon Slipak (Katusha) drives hard on the pedals willing himself faster as he rounds the final corner of the climb and of Paris Nice.  Slipak's effort was enough to register the newest best time on the stage.  Unlike the best times before him, he only has a couple of guys following him up the hill.  Regardless of where he places on the stage, his ride has been enough to get him onto the podium at the final awards presentation at the end of the day.  Behind him one of the Gendarmerie directs his team car out of the finishing straight.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525982---195767/Painting.html#.VQXM347F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: It's Up to Him

Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) had a tall order to out ride the talented Richie Porte (Team Sky) who was ahead of him on the road and behind him on the general classification.  Gallopin captured the Maillot Jaune on a brilliant aggressive ride over multiple mountains and a very well timed attack on the final climb of the final road stage.  The Frenchman put everything into putting as much time into the other contenders, perhaps a little too much.  The Lotto Soudal team leader is not the caliper of those behind him on the GC when it comes to time trialing as proven by his intermediate time check that was 58 seconds behind Porte's time.  Enough of a time difference to lose yellow, now he is racing just to finish on the podium.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525978---195767/Painting.html#.VQXKqI7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Down the Ramp

Each time trialer is held upright as he waits for the official to count down his (or her) start.  The racers will roll down the ramp and onto the course getting into their aerodynamic tuck as quickly as possible.  Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) has quite a bit to ride for today, he is hoping to get onto the podium at the end of the day, but a roughly twenty minute all out effort of climbing looms in the way of the goal.  Thomas was one of those who crash on the final descent into Nice on the final road stage of the race, hopefully he is not too sore to put in a good ride today.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525970---195767/Painting.html#.VQXIEI7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Finishing in Polka Dots

Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) was one of the few riders who knew that the jersey he started the time trial with would still be his at the end of the day.  De Gendt had worked hard yesterday to make sure that he would go out as the King of the Mountains in the 72nd Race to the Sun, or as the reflective water on the road shows, the Race to the Rain.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525962---195767/Painting.html#.VQXFXI7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Picking Them Off

When you watch Tony Martin (Etixx Quickstep) in an individual time trial, you know you will watch him catch rider after rider that have started ahead of him.  The current German National Time Trial Champion and three time World Time Trial Champion did not disappoint again today, even with the eight kilometers of pure uphill course climbing the Col d'Eze just outside of the city of Nice.  Martin is catching the second man ahead of him in the start time list on his way to posting yet another new best time.  However, there are some very strong men with quite a bit riding on their finishing times yet to roll down the start ramp.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525960---195767/Painting.html#.VQXCY47F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: New Best Split Time

Unlike the opening Prologue of Paris Nice today's individual time trial was both uphill and provided split times so we could know how each rider was faring while they were on course.  Andrew Talansky (Cannondale Garmin) hasn't had the most brilliant of races in the 72nd edition of the Race to the Sun, but he was on form for the finale of the race.  When he came through the time check he posted the new best time there.  His ride continued to climb with him garnering new best time as he cross the line at the top of the Col d'Eze.  The question remains will it be enough to take the stage?

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525958---195767/Painting.html#.VQXAD47F-xU


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Paris Nice Stage 6: One Kilometer to Yellow

It may well have been raining on the Cote d'Azur, but nothing was going to dampen the spirits of this Frenchman.  Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) had escaped on the final climb of Paris Nice road stages and had continued to press his advantage all the way down to the sea.  Behind him a group of four chasers could never gain on him and the third group on the road of Geraint Thomas, Richie Porte (both Team Sky) and Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quickstep) dropped further and further back.  The trio lost over a minute to the rider from France and the new Maillot Jaune.  With the time bonuses factor in, Gallopin has a 36 second lead going into the final stage of Paris Nice, a short steep uphill Individual Time Trial that will decide the final victor of the race.  The last time aFrenchman won the Race to the Sun was way back in 1997.  There truly is a renaissance in French cycling.  It should be noted that Gallopin was the only French rider to wear the Maillot Jaune in the last Tour de France.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about this race with the accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online bookseller around the world, so just google the title to find where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525790---195767/Painting.html#.VQSkuY7F-xU

Paris Nice Stage 6: What He Was Afraid Of

Richie Porte (Team Sky) and his teammate, Geraint Thomas got over the final climb with about 15 seconds in hand over the Yellow Jersey of Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx Quickstep) but he wasn't about to play it safe.  Unfortunately, the very thing he feared happen on the descent of the Cote de Peille.  Fortunately, it was a much safer corner than some of the unprotected drop offs on the previous descent.  Although it happened off camera, Thomas also took a spill, allowing Kwiatkowski to join back up with the Team Sky men.  Now instead of fighting it out between each other, the trio had to give chase to the fleeing Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal).  Gallopin's earlier attack and superior descending had him in with a real chance to steal the Maillot Jaune from all three of them.  Quite a feat considering he started the day in sixth overall!

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about this race with the accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online bookseller around the world, so just google the title to find where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525786---195767/Painting.html#.VQSgvY7F-xU

Paris Nice Stage 6: Now It's Porte's Turn

Team Sky chased hard catching Michal Kwiatkowski about half way up the Cote de Peille, then it was time for a flurry of attacks.  Attacks that started with Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) and then iwas the Danish National Champion, Michael Valgren (Tinkoff Saxo).  Once Valgren had been caught, it was Richie Porte's (Team Sky) time to attack.  While he wasn't able to get away from Simon Slipak (Katusha) or Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) he was leaving Kwiatkowski behind and riding himself into the Yellow Jersey.  Or at the very least making it so it would be Kwiatkowski who had to chase on the final descent down to the coast and the city of Nice.  Porte wanted a buffer between himself and the Maillot Jaune so he could use just a little more care on the steep, wet descent.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about this race with the accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online bookseller around the world, so just google the title to find where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525774---195767/Painting.html#.VQSeJI7F-xU

Paris Nice Stage 6: Look Then Go

Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) took a page from an old hand book.  He seemed to copy the famed "look" that Lance Armstrong gave to Jan Ullrich before going on the attack.  Gallopin must have seen something in the eyes of Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quickstep) that told him the Yellow Jersey would not be able to follow his attack.  Kwiatkowski had used all of his teammates attacking Richie Porte on the previous descent, whereas Gallopin still had a comrade in Tim Wellers who is sitting right behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you are enjoying reading about this race with the accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online bookseller around the world, so just google the title to find where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525772---195767/Painting.html#.VQSbf47F-xU