Tour Stage 12: Pumping the Air

Some of the sprinters had been dropped on the final climb of the Cote du Grammond, like Marcel Kittel (Giant Shimano) and Bryan Coquard (Europcar).  Others had some bad luck like Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) who went into a ditch outside of the three kilometers to go point (not that overall time is of much concern to a sprinter).  So it was a slightly reduced sprint field that charged to the line in Saint Etienne.  And it was Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) who pumped his fist in the air to celebrate his first stage win of the 101st Tour de France.  Every the bridesmaid never the bride, Peter Sagan (Cannondale) was forced to settle for yet another second place finish, but it did increase is nearly insurmountable lead in the Points Classification.  The French National Champion, Arnaud Demare (FDJ) was strong enough after the climb to place himself on the podium for France.   This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will be included in my soon to be self published book of my art of the 101st Tour de France, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, to pre order your copy, or to discover how to become involved in bringing this amazing edition of the Tour to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some wonderful rewards for backers at a wide variety of levels, all include your name in print on the special thanks page, and starting at $5 USD.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2404256---199992/Painting.html#.U8iK4M_D_IU