Dauphine, Stage 1: Keeping Them in Check

The first part of the day included some relatively small climbs but the last thirty kilometers was going to be flat and straight.  With that kind of terrain it was sure to be a day for the sprinters.  But with two guys still up the road, their teams had to go to the front and pull the escapees back.  Cofidis put one man on the front on behalf of Nacer Bouhanni, likewise Giant-Alpecin for John Degenkolb and Katusha for Alexander Kristoff.  Just behind the sprinters' representatives where the teammates of the Yellow Jersey, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff).  They were there to keep their man safe from crashes or surprise splits in 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.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2804041-42-185083/Painting.html#.V1Y-HZErLIU