Tour Stage 20: On a Lap of Honor

Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) had such a substantial lead over his nearest rival that he could easily have cruised around the 54 kilometer course, but that is not what gave the Maillot Jaune the seven minute plus lead that he currently enjoys.  Nibali proved in the mountains that he came to the Tour to win and to win with authority.  He brought that same attitude to the penultimate stage of the 101st Tour de France, as he came through the second time check, he was only slower than the World Time Trial Champion, Tony Martin (OPQS) and Tejay van Garderen (BMC).  He was riding with a different interpretation of a lap of honor, he was bringing honor to the Maillot Jaune and the Tour de France by doing his best to win the stage.  His ride was enough for fifth place, faster than anyone in the remaining top six of the General Classification.  While he had no need of gaining time, he finished the stage gaining time on all of his rivals.  I imagine that his reticence to celebrate his overall victory may finally be evaporating.  But there is still one more day of the Tour, and with this edition of the Grand Boucle, anything can happen, and for many it already has.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will be part of my soon to be self published book of Tour de France artwork, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book project, to pre order your copy, or to discover how you can be a part of bringing this stunning Tour de France to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some excellent Backer Rewards for those who choose to pledge their support, including artist signed copies of the book, original art, postcards and even a copies of the book signed by the eventual winner of the Tour, Vincenzo Niblai.  If you would like 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%202014/2408590---199992/Painting.html#.U9Qn2svD_IU