Tour Stage 20: Precious Seconds

Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R) had everything riding on his performance in the only Time Trial of the 101st Tour de France, and did not need anything to go wrong.  Unfortunately his wishing of luck to Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) did not insolate him from having bad luck himself.  At about the half way point when he had already secured the Virtual Second Place on the road, he had a rear tire flat.  He let his following team car know what was wrong and then pulled to a stop along the decorated front yard of a house along the route.  He gently set his first time trial machine down as he waited for his mechanics to bring a replacement bike to him.  He did his best to remain calm, as the pair moved with precision to get him up and running.  The whole process took about 15 seconds, but with the GC placing so tight, it was time he would rather not give up.  Perhaps the adrenaline from the delay would push him to the line in time.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  It will be part of the soon to be self published complete collection of my paintings and writings 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 part of bringing this race to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some great rewards for those who choose to pledge their support starting for as little as $5 USD.  Everyone who backs the project will have their name in print on the Special Thanks page of "Book de Tour".  If you would like to purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, but don't you want a copy of the book?  Of course you do!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2408582---199992/Painting.html#.U9QbtMvD_IU