Tour, Stage 17: Taking Them Over the Top

The peloton reached the summit of the penultimate climb of the day, the Col de la Forclaz, exactly ten minutes behind the first of the break away.  Rafal Majka (Tinkoff) was the first to crest the climb making in three out of three climbs on the day where he was able to gain maximum points in the King of the Mountains competition.  All along the climb today have been hundreds of Colombian cycling fans waving their country's flag in support of their countryman, Nairo Quintana (Movistar).  They had the added bonus of seeing another of their compatriots, Jarlison Pantano (IAM Cycling) take second over the summit.

Leading the group Maillot Jaune was the former Italian National Champion (and winner of this year's Giro d'Italia), Vincenzo Nibali (Astana).  He was pushing the pace along with Diego Rosa, in hopes of putting Team Sky and Chris Froome in jeopardy.  Struggling along behind were all of the contenders with the notable exception of the American, Tejay van Garderen.  Van Garderen was to summit this climb another thirty seconds after this group.  I have no idea how long it took for the l'Autobus of the sprinters to make it to this point on the road.  I'm sure Letour.com can give you that information.

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, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2826269-122-224974/PaintingTaking%20Them%20Over%20the%20Top%20TdF123-Greig-Leach.html#.V4_7tbiAOko