Tour, Stage 11: Two Victors

The stage into Montpellier saw two victors on the day.  First the stage went to the UCI Road World Champion and wearer of the Maillot Vert, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and the other was the man finishing in second, but gaining seconds on his rivals, Chris Froome (Team Sky).  While Sagan spreads his arms in a victory salute that I have seen once before, his teammate, Maciej Bodnar, shook his fist in celebration of the win.  Ah yes, this is the same salute Sagan gave has he crossed the line in Richmond, Virginia when he claimed his Rainbow Jersey.

Chris Froome came in five seconds ahead of the closing peloton.  Add to that a four second bonus for finishing second on the day, he added nine seconds to his overall lead.  The question remains, did he expend too much energy for what turned out to be a very marginal gain?  Tomorrow the peloton finishes atop Mont Ventoux, did he tire himself before that obstacle?  One thing can be said, he certainly isn't racing by the numbers or like a robot.  It is nice to have a race be unpredictable, it certainly is a lot more exciting that way.

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.

To buy this painting, just follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2823187-77-224974/PaintingTwo%20Victors%20TdF77-Greig-Leach.html#.V4aiYrgrLIU