US Pro Challenge Stage 3: The Top of the Pass

Stage 3's elevation map showed the riders going almost straight up from the beginning of the stage, down the other side and then right back up again.  Ben Hermans (BMC) went out early so he could be out front to help his team leader, Tejay van Garderen later on.  He was the first to crest the first King of the Mountain point on the top of Monarch Pass, with van Garderen's main rival, Tom Danielson (Garmin Sharp) stuck onto his wheel.  The US Pro Challenge uses a variation of the Tour de France's Polka Dot Jersey of the KOM leader.  The one in Colorado is a pattern of ever smaller white dots on a red field as opposed to the even pattern of red polka dots on the white jersey of the Tour.  However neither of these guys are after the jersey currently worn by Ben Jacques-Magnes (Jamis).  Danielson is out to win the race overall.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Co. (www.richesonart.com) a small North American family run art supply company.  The painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But while you are at the website, you should take the time to browse all of the art on offer.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202014/2423122-12-6-201508/Painting/Sports.html#.U_anSM_D_IU