Paris Roubaix: Embracing His Victory

It was Matthew Hayman (Orica GreenEdge) who had slipped away at 72 kilometers to go, only to be brought back into the fold, that got the jump on the more season campaigners who came into the velodrome with the Australian.  Hayman seemed stunned and perhaps incredulous that he had actually one this most fabled of one day races.  He had just held off the veteran Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep), as well as Ian Stannard (Team Sky).  Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) who had felt sure the race was his twenty minutes earlier, missed the podium, having poured all of his energy into the solo effort.  Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) came home almost a minute and a half later, with Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) arriving another three minutes later covered in the mud of northern France and the sweat of disappointment in a poorly timed tumble.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767310-318-195767/Painting.html#.Vwsn9fkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: They Clawed Their Way Back

Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) heart must have sunk when he looked under his arm and say three very strong riders coming back up to his wheel.  He had been sure he had left them behind on the fourth section of cobbles, but with just 12 kilometers left to race, the lead group was now back up to four men.  Under the watchful eye of the TV moto, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep) and Ian Stannard (Sky) had pulled themselves back into contention for victory in the Velodrome that completes the final kilometers of the Hell of the North.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767307-317-195767/Painting.html#.VwslMPkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: This Is My Paris Roubaix

Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) had to feel like he had this race in hand.  He rode everyone off of his wheel on the 5 star rated #4 pave section, Carrefour de l'Arbre.  As he looked back over his shoulder all he could see where crowds lining the cobbles, and the flags of Flanders and France. The Belgium rider had less than 17 kilometers left and was now beginning to dream of victory.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767304-316-195767/Painting.html#.VwsjHfkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Directing Traffic

Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep) knew that two of his main rivals were over a minute behind and getting further back by the kilometer.  Boonen kept pushing those that were in the front group to keep working together.  While everyone wanted to win, none were interested in helping the four time winner Boonen get his fifth victory.  In this leading group were Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), Imanol Erviti (Movistar), Ian Stannard (Sky) and now back in the fold, Matthew Hayman (Orica-GreenEdge), all with the pedigree to dream of victory in the velodrome of Roubaix at the end of this grueling race of 257.5 kilometers.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767301-315-195767/Painting.html#.VwsghPkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Teammates Down!

Team Sky was feeling like they were in a perfect position on the front of the race.  They had four of their riders driving the pace, putting the pain to all of those trying to hold their wheels.  But there are many things that can go wrong and do so almost instantly when racing on wet cobbles.  Elia Viviani heard the sickening sound of a crash on his wheel. As he snapped his head aroung he could see his teammates, Salvatore Puccio and Luke Rowe, going down hard.  Ian Stannard (Sky) was able to slip around the crash, but it was obvious that their advantage had disappeared just that quickly.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767295-314-195767/Painting.html#.VwsdtPkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Time to Chase

Somehow that strong, and clever World Champion, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) as well as Fabian Cancellara (Trek Segafredo) missed the move that put the dangerous Tom Boonen more than a minute up the road from this duo.  After trying to force others to chase down those up the road, it became clear that this duo was going to have to do the work themselves.  Unfortuantely for Cancellara, he slipped in the muddy cobbles and went down not long after I painted this piece.  Only Sagan's skillful bike handling kept the Slovak upright as he road over the wheel of his fallen rival.  However with out Cancellara collaborating in the chase, it wasn't looking like Sagan was going to be able to repeat his victory from last Sunday.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767292-313-195767/Painting.html#.VwsavvkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Slipping Away

Orica-GreenEdge had come to the north of France to race and race they did.  After Luke Durbridge (Orica GreenEdge) had dropped off of the front of the race, the mantle for the team was taken up by Matthew Hayman.  Hayman slipped away from the everyone else on the road, attempting to go off on his own.  With 77 kilometers left to race, it was most likely too much to hope to stay away to the end, but the move did let everyone know that the Aussie was up to the challenges of the cobbles, rollers and winds of Northern France.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767289-312-195767/Painting.html#.VwsYOfkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Running Away

Four time winner of Paris Roubaix, Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep) was able to use his very strong teammate, Tony Martin, to build up a nice gap from many of his rivals.  Everytime Martin, took a break from driving the pace on the front of this select group of riders, Boonen would push the pace on.  With the two men from Etixx-Quickstep was Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge) as well as riders from LottoNL-Jumbo and Team Sky.  Boonen is hoping to end the day being the first to win this fabled Monument of cycling for a fifth time.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767280-311-195767/Painting.html#.VwsWaPkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Cobbles & Giants

Paris Roubaix, nicknamed the "Hell of the North," is celebrated (or feared) for its 27 sections of pave (rough cobble stone roads).  Along with this race of deep tradition that started in 1896, are the "Giants of Flanders."  The giants are up to 16 foot tall paper mache puppets or statues that are dressed in traditional farmer's garb.  The passionate French and Belgium fans will line virtually every kilometer of the twisting course from the outskirts of Paris to the town of Roubaix, bringing their giants out to enjoy the giants of cycling.  About to enter the 26th section of pave, (or the second that the riders will traverse) are Gatis Smukulis (Astana) along with Christophe Laborie (Delko Marseille Provence) and Phillip Gaimon (Cannondale).  This threesome are bringing up the rear of the peloton.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767271-310-195767/Painting.html#.VwsUUPkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Opening Up a Gap

Perhaps it is true that there is strength in numbers.  Once a group of 16 had managed to join forces off of the front of the peloton, the break finally started to build up a bit of a gap on the fast riding peloton behind.  Tacked onto the pack of the group was Matthew Hayman (Orica-GreenEdge).  Some of those ahead of the Australian were Michael Morkov (Katusha), Tim Declercq (Topsport Vlaanderen) and Marko Kump (Lampre-Merida). All along the route, the gendarmerie race ahead to warn the riders of dangers along the road.  Once the riders have swung past, the officers jump onto their motorcycles and rush past the race to take up their warning job again.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767223-309-195767/Painting.html#.VwsQ5fkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Taking a Peek

The 114th edition of Paris Roubaix was decidedly not going to script.  Even after 100 kilometers into the race no one was able to gain even a minute or two on the following peloton.  At this point those attempting to escape the big names of the sport were, Nils Politt (Katusha), Robin Stenvit (Wanty-Groupe Gobert), Evaldas Siskevicius (Delko Marseille Provence), Gediminas Bagdonas (Ag2r La Mondiale), Benoit Jarrier (Fortuneo-Vital Concept) and Kenneth Van Bilsen (Cofidis).  Politt is taking the opportunity to peek back over his shoulder to see if he can espy those chasing from behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767220-308-195767/Painting.html#.VwsNpvkrLIU

Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen: The Width of a Tire

With the chasers closing in the duo of Emma Johansson (Wiggle High 5) and Lizzie Armitstead (Boels Dolmans) had to open up the sprint early.  Johansson went first hoping to use her stamina to hold of the faster sprinter bedecked in her Rainbow Jersey.  Armitstead had just enough to edge out the Swedish National Champion, hitting the line only the width of a carbon rim ahead of Johansson.  With the sprint so closely contested, there was not enough time for a celebratory salute.  Armitstead's teammate, Chantel Blaak claimed third ahead of the rest of those closing from behind.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761693-15-207546/Painting.html#.VwNT_vkrLIU

Women's Rond:e van Vlaanderen: Off on Their Own

Somehow the peloton let two very powerful women ride off the front on the final ascent of the day.  Emma Johansson (Wiggle High 5) hit the front knowing that she was dragging the World Champion Lizzie Armitstead (Boels Dolmans).  Before the race, Johansson stated in an interview that she was really hoping to add this race to her palmares.  It may not help that it was Armitstead who had gone on the move with her, then again they may be the two who could hold off the peloton.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761687-14-207546/Painting.html#.VwNRRvkrLIU

Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen: Taking Them Up the Cobbles

With Thalita De Jong (Rabo-Liv) back in the fold, it was time for Boels Doleman to make the race has hard as possible.  Climbing the Kreisberg the pace was pushed by the American National Champion, Megan Guarnier (Boels Dolmans).  Tucked onto her wheel was most of Wiggle High5 ready to launch their own plan.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761684-13-207546/Painting.html#.VwNM3vkrLIU

Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen: Off the Front

The Women's Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) started fast and hard, so it was almost a hundred kilometers in before someone managed to escape off the front of the peloton.  It was Thalita De Jong (Rabo LIV) who lead the peloton up the fan lined road.  Unfortunately for De Jong, the peloton had bigger plans and dragged her back into the fold shortly after this was painted.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional%20Womens%20Cycling/2761675-12-207546/Painting.html#.VwNJi_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: The King of Flanders

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) has shook the curse of the Rainbow Jersey off of his shoulders over the last couple of days.  He had been managing quite a few second places, considerably better than most who experience the curse of the Rainbow, but he has now one two cobbled Belgium races thus far.  This victory is his first in one of the Classics of the sport.  I was struck by the way he made sure to show off the jersey that marks him as the World Champion... Just in case anyone was unsure of his talent.  In the distance, you can see the next two riders on the road, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) who finished second and third respectfully.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

Sorry, this painting is already sold!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760202-307-195767/Painting.html#.VwGiTfkrLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Speeding Up

Frustrated with the pace of the group he had been riding with the former Swiss national champion, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) went off on his own in search of the two remaining men up the road.  It seemed that he actually sped up as he climbed the cobbles of the Paterberg.  At this point the only bike that could stay with the champion time trialist, was the motorcycle that was carrying the TV camera that watched his every move.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760187-306-195767/Painting.html#.VwGe9_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Next on the Road

The next group on the road was being lead by a three time former winner of this race, Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo).  Tucked onto his wheel was the Dutch Champion, Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep) and two riders who had been in the early break, Imanol Erviti (Movistar) and Dimitri Claeys (Wanty-Groupe Gobert).  Cancellara was hoping to become the first to win the Ronde van Vlaanderen for a fourth time.  He has announced that this will be his final season of racing, so it is now or never, if he hopes to set a new benchmark in Flanders.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760181-305-195767/Painting.html#.VwGdC_krLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: The Perfect Pass

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) along with Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) managed to catch the five leaders on the road, the trio used the Oude Karnemelk to drop the erstwhile leaders (and Kwiatkowski as well).  At the summit of the climb many teams station soigneurs to pass out bottles or to have replacement wheels at the ready.  Sagan's man made a flawless pass to a very fast moving reigning World Champion.  At this point it was only Vanmarcke who could hold the darling of the peloton's wheel.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760169-304-195767/Painting.html#.VwGakvkrLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: In Pursuit

The Tour of Flanders (Ronde van Vlaanderen) is one of the big races of the early season.  The riders have faced some of these cobbled climbs already this season, but this race is considered one of the Classics.  The race takes on a little extra meaning coming after the terrorist attacks in the capitol of Belgium just two weeks ago.  With a strong group of five riders up the road and only about 30 kilometers left to race, this trio of Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) set off from the peloton in pursuit.  Missing this move were some of the favored riders including the winner from 2015, Alexander Kristoff (Katusha).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  Plus this painting and all of my cycling art is available at my website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, as the painting is an original work of art, it is first come first served.

Be sure to check out my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  It is available internationally through most online bookstores, and at www.artofcycling.bike.  Or you could ask your local bookstore to get it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2760145-303-195767/Painting.html#.VwGYJ_krLIU