Paris Nice Stage 1: Tooling Along

Once the peloton had pulled the two escapees back to within 2 minutes they really pulled back the throttle.  Perhaps they were just toying with the pair up the road, but their average speed was only 35 kilometers per hour (that would be the top end of what I could hope to manage) well under what the organizers thought would be the slowest possible rate of speed.  Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx-Quickstep) did most of the pace setting, nearly 150 kilometers, on the front of the peloton honoring the tradition of the team that holds the Yellow Jersey rides tempo on the front.  Vandenbergh was marked closely by Astana, Team Sky, and Orica GreenEdge.

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 for only $50 USD.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about cycling with this accompanying artwork be sure to check out my recently publish book on the Tour de France, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online book sellers around the world, just google the title to learn where you can get your copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2522856---195767/Painting.html#.VP56IfzF-xU