Tour of Britain, Final Stage: Taking the Final One

Lotto Soudal played an unusual tactic in the final kilometer of the Tour of Britain.  It appeared the Jens Debusschere was the final lead out for their sprinter, Andre Greipel.  Instead, as they pair went under the flame rouge, Greipel let the wheel of his teammate go and slowed the progress of the other sprinters who had lined up on the German sprinter's wheel.  It was Boy Van Poppel (Trek-Segafredo) who first saw the ploy and went chasing the fleeing Debusschere.  He was followed by the Dutch National Champion, Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL Jumbo), but the pair were left in the dust of the fast man, Caleb Ewan (Orica-BikeExchange).  So in the end it was Ewan for the victory on the final stage in London, with Groenwegen taking second and Debusschere just holding on for third.  Steve Cummings' Yellow Jersey stayed on his shoulders, as all of the other jersey stayed on the shoulders of those who started the day wearing them.

This is most likely the last race I will paint until the UCI World Road Racing Championships in Doha, Qatar.  There had been a chance that I would be there painting the races live onsite, but that doesn't seem to have worked out.  So it goes.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2850518-88-189075/PaintingTaking%20the%20Final%20One%20ToB62-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZQzpgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Final Stage: At Full Speed

With everyone tucked back into the peloton, or kicked out of the back, it was time for the lead out trains to take hold of the front of the peloton.  With so many teams still looking for a stage victory, it was hard for anyone team to take complete control.  Added to that was the smaller six man teams that just didn't allow for domination of the peloton.  Ben Swift (Sky) had the Etixx-Quickstep sprinter, Maximillano Richeze on his wheel rather than his own Elia Vivianni.  Mixing it up behind were the teams of ONE Pro Cycling, LottoNL Jumbo and Lotto Soudal, all hoping it would be their fast man who claimed the final stage of the Tour of Britain.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2850515-87-189075/PaintingAt%20Full%20Speed%20ToB61-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZNgJgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Final Stage: Filming It All

Obviously, every stage, every kilometer of the Tour of Britain has been covered by TV cameramen.  There are three TV Moto's with cameramen who film the race from the back of the motorcycles, sometimes at very high speeds and in all sorts of weather.  Their work is augmented by stationary cameras along the course and at the finish line, as well as two helicopters who film from above.  There is a move to get live camera feeds from the racers bicycles as well, but those didn't figure into this stage race.  So standing up on the back of the motorcycle was the cameraman filming the break of Gabriel Cullaigh (Team GB), Jasper Bovenhuis (An Post Chain Reaction), Tom Stewart (Madison Genesis) and Taylor Phinney (BMC).  This particular moment was captured by a stationary camera positioned near the finish line (or in this case the end of the fourth lap).

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2850506-86-189075/PaintingFilming%20It%20All%20ToB60-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZLQZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Final Stage: Riding Around with Yellow

Unlike the Tour de France, there was no promenade around the streets of the capitol city of the Tour of Britain.  With a group up the road, it fell to Team Dimension Data to ride tempo, not letting the escapees get to far away.  So Mark Cavendish rode in behind the Yellow Jersey of Steve Cummings with the rest of the team on the front including, Johann Van Zyl, Jay Robert Thomson, Mark Renshaw, and Bernhard Eisel.  It is reported that Cavendish has been ill for much of the Tour, but stayed in the race to help his teammate ensure Yellow on the final podium of the race.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2850500-85-189075/PaintingRiding%20Around%20with%20Yellow%20ToB59-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZIfJgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Final Stage: The First to Launch

The Sprint Jersey wearer, Jasper Bovenhuis (An Post Chain Reaction) was the first to jump out of the peloton, he was clearly off to rack up as many more sprint points as possible.  Immediately on to the Dutchman's wheel was Tom Stewart (Madison Genesis).  Before the duo had cover half of a kilometer both Taylor Phinney (BMC) and Gabriel Cullaigh (Team GB) joined them.  The foursome went straight to work opening up a thirty second gap on the following peloton before they were around the first lap of the streets of downtown London.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2850495-84-189075/PaintingThe%20First%20to%20Launch%20ToB58-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZESpgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Final Stage: About to Start

The entire peloton lined up on the road side under the Admiralty Arch on the streets of London.  Well, all but eight of those who had started a week ago in Glasgow, Scotland.  As is the tradition of every stage start, all of the leaders' jerseys are placed front and center, with the rest of the peloton lining up as they like.  Just out of  "camera" is Rohan Dennis (BMC) in the points jersey.  Next to him and in camera is the King of the Mountian, Xandro Meurisse (Wanty Group Gobert), then the Yellow Jersey of Steve Cummings (Dimension Data).  Breaking into the line up is the American, Taylor Phinney (BMC), perhaps he is planning something for the start.  And finally the sprinter leader, Jasper Bovenhuis (An Post Chain Reaction).  Bovenhuis has only to take one more of the intermediate sprints on the day to ensure his overall victory in the competition.  Unlike most stages, there is no neutral start for this circuit race through the streets of London, once the flag drops, the race is on.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2850489-83-189075/PaintingAbout%20to%20Start%20ToB57-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZCApgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: A Huge Effort

After others had tried to escape from the peloton on the climb, but the hill had proved too much, it was Rohan Dennis (BMC) who got away at the summit.  If anyone could ride away from the whole of the peloton, it was the former World Hour Record holder.  Dennis had taken second this morning in the time trial, just three seconds slower than the winner, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep).  No one else had the legs to ride as fast as this Australian in the morning, and it seems none could do it this afternoon either.  Dennis won the stage by six seconds over the field and was rewarded with a ten second time bonus and the points jersey in the bargain.  He now sits just twenty six seconds off the lead of Steve Cummings (Dimension Data) and just twelve seconds ahead of the former points jersey wearer, Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin).  It is unlikely that tomorrow's 99 kilometer circuit race on the streets of London will do much to alter the podium standings, but one never knows until it is done.  One thing is certain, Xandro Meurisse (Wanty Group Gobert) will keep the King of the Mountains Jersey (well almost he still has to finish the stage tomorrow).

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849937-82-189075/PaintingA%20Hugh%20Effort%20ToB56-Greig-Leach.html#.V9S0D5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: Teeing It Up

With the final climb under their wheels, the contender's teammates were teeing it up for their guys, or they were riding for themselves.  Jens Debusschere (Lotto Soudal) was on the front to help launch his teammate, Tony Gallopin.  Behind the Frenchman was the man tied for second overall, Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) in the blue points leader's jersey.  Following him Jack Bauer (Cannondale-Drapac) with the rest of the contenders all in tow.  You can just see the yellow shoulder of the current race leader, Steve Cummings (Dimension Data).  Who will jump first, or more importantly, who will cross the line first?

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849936-81-189075/PaintingTeeing%20It%20Up%20ToB55-Greig-Leach.html#.V9SvApgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: In Suspense

Sorry, going for a pun with the title again.  The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a beautiful sight on the high ground of Bristol link the area of Ashton Court with the other side of the river Avon.  It was a rather long drop to the tidal river below.  So the breakaway was about to cross the suspension bridge while we and they were in suspense as to whether their effort would succeed or not.  This would be the final time that Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal), Boy Van Poppel (Trek-Segafredo), Deigo Rubio (Caja Rural-Seguros) and Gorka Izaguirre (Movistar) would cross the bridge today.  The course will bring them back across the river again, but the finish line is in the middle of Ashton Court just 13 kilometers away.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849930-80-189075/PaintingIn%20Suspense%20ToB54-Greig-Leach.html#.V9SrRZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: Sneaking Away

Nicola Boem (Bardiani-CSF) used the penultimate climb of the day to jump clear of the peloton.  With just 16 kilometers left to race, he was hoping to make it around the streets of Bristol just that much quicker than everyone else.  After the summit, there is about three kilometers of flat road before the course twists and turns back down to the river.  He may have the advantage over the peloton after those three k, but it power is in the group before the descent.  Bouna fortuna, il mio amico!

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849918-79-189075/PaintingSneaking%20Away%20ToB53-Greig-Leach.html#.V9Sm4pgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: Cav Leads Them Round

Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) seemed to announce that he would not be going for the stage victory today.  He went to the front of the peloton and with the help of  Ian Stannard (Sky) and Robert Power (Orica-BikeExchange) set about the task of bringing the escapees back.  Dimension Data has the Yellow Jersey in the fold, on the back of Steve Cummings, so letting those in front gain time wasn't really in the cards.  More of a threat were those in on the team leader's wheel, Rohan Dennis (BMC) sitting just inside of a minute behind.  Dennis is equal on time after this morning's time trial with Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin).  So it could be that Cavendish was just making the race hard for everyone rather than actually trying to chase down Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) and company.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849913-78-189075/PaintingCav%20Leads%20Them%20Round%20ToB52-Greig-Leach.html#.V9SbN5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7b: Tappin' It Out

The other German National Champion in the Tour of Britain is Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal).  He wears the national jersey as the road champion and may not wear it in the time trial.  Naturally, it is the reverse for Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep).  Greipel has been on fire in this year's Tour of Britain, and today is no exception.  The big sprinter was the first to launch an attack just as the race got underway in Bristol.  He was joined by Boy Von Poppel (Trek-Segafredo), Diego Rubio (Caja Rural Seguros) and Gorka Izaguirre (Movistar).  The quartet was never able to build up more than two minutes on the field, but then it is a circuit race, so it could be just enough to take the day.  The steep climb on the course just before the finish line would make it so riders could hope to jump their rivals on GC, so this break is most likely doomed.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849801-77-189075/PaintingTappin'%20It%20Out%20ToB51-Greig-Leach.html#.V9RzHZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7a: In Defense of Yellow

Steve Cummings (Dimension Data) was the last to start the individual time trial in Bristol.  An honor (and advantage) given to the wearer of the Yellow Jersey (or whatever color signifies the race leader).  Cummings is strong against the clock, but the two riders just behind him are the National Champions of their respective countries.  In fact the field held at least five TT Champions and two previous World Champions in the race of truth.  Cummings managed a fourth on the day behind the stage winner, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) and the two who are now tied for second overall, Rohan Dennis (BMC) and Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin).  His fourth place was enough to defend his race lead, which he carries into the second half of the seventh stage of the Tour of Britain.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849795-76-189075/PaintingIn%20Defense%20of%20Yellow%20ToB50-Greig-Leach.html#.V9RvNZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7a: Speed and Caution

With the rain soaked roads (and the continued showers) the riders had to exercise caution, but the name of the game in the individual time trial is speed.  One does not often compliment the other.  The American, Taylor Phinney (BMC) had already wiped out in a corner.  It was a shame too, he was on a new best time pace before he crashed.  Another who was setting the best time splits on the streets of Bristol was the German National Time Trial Champion, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep).  Martin is a three time World Champion in this discipline as well.  Martin caught his minute man, Frederik Frison (Lotto Soudal) a few hundred feet before the corner where the American crashed.  Hopefully these two will get around the corner safely.  Martin went on to take the time trial on the day.  His first TT victory this year.  Hopefully, he will be able to carry that winning way to Doha, Qatar for the 2016 UCI Road World Championships.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849791-75-189075/PaintingSpeed%20and%20Caution%20ToB49-Greig-Leach.html#.V9RrWZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 7a: Perhaps His Last

Bradley Wiggins (Team Wiggins) took to the start house for perhaps his last professional individual time trial in Bristol.  The Sir Bradley Wiggins is famous throughout the world both on the road and on the track, but has decided it is time to hang up his competitive road bike (and TT bike).  Later this year he will race his last track event, also on home soil.  Before creating Team Wiggins, Wiggins road for Team Sky - notice the Team Sky flag laid over the barrier.  It wasn't until I was painting this piece that I noticed that the flag is strikingly similar to the "thin blue line" that celebrates the police forces position in society.  I enjoy the guy astride his mountain bike getting a shot of what is most likely his cycling hero.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849790-74-189075/PaintingPerhaps%20His%20Last%20ToB48-Greig-Leach.html#.V9RnqZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Not Much Left

It was Wout Poels (Sky) who was able to get away from the duo of Rohan Dennis (BMC) - second on the day, and Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) - third on the day.  The Dutchman on the English team barely had the energy left to the salute the crowd as he crossed the summit and only mountain top finish of the 13th Tour of Britain. Perhaps the number 13 (his bib number) is a very lucky one for Poels.  With the Yellow Jersey dropped about four kilometers from the top, it would be someone else on the podium in a little while.  Dennis had started the day in fourth, but it was the star of stage two, Steve Cummings (Dimension Data) who takes over the Yellow Jersey of race leader with Dumoulin moving into second overall and Dennis in third.

I was amused by the bright yellow sign behind Poels.  It read 'deviation,'  which I realized is the way the British would label what I call a 'detour.'  But a deviant has a much different connotation, thus so does a deviation, to me.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849690-73-189075/PaintingNot%20Much%20Left%20ToB47-Greig-Leach.html#.V9OM-5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Looking It Over

The domestiques have done their work now it is time for those with a one at the end of their bib numbers to do their work.  Well, Wout Poels (Sky) who launched the first attack on the mid slopes of the Haytor climb is bib number 13.  He is the first racer I have seen with that number who hasn't flipped on of them upside down to avoid the bad luck.  It was Rohan Dennis (BMC) who chased down the attacking Dutchman, bringing another one, Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) with him.  Joining the aggression at the front of affairs are Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) and Gorka Izaguirre (Movistar).  The quintet is looking back over their collective shoulders to see first who else is trying to bridge across and the whereabouts of the Yellow Jersey of Julian Vermote (Etixx-Quickstep).

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849687-72-189075/PaintingLooking%20It%20Over%20ToB46-Greig-Leach.html#.V9OJj5grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: All Who Matter

With all of the early escapees back in the fold, it was time for the GC contenders to make their move.  Each of the hopefuls put a teammate on the front to ramp up the pace as they started up to the summit of Haytor, Dartmoor.  So Loic Vliegen (BMC) road for Rohan Dennis, Marco Mocato (Wanty Group Gobert), for Xandro Meurisse, and finally Jack Bauer (Cannondale-Drapac) for Dylan Van Baarle.  With just five kilometers left to race, all of them uphill, it was now the time to take over the lead of the Tour of Britain.  For Meurisse, it was time to make sure the King of the Mountians Jersey would be his on the final day.  The rest of the Tour are either a time trial or circuit races, with a win today, his lead would be unbeatable.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849673-71-189075/PaintingAll%20Who%20Matter%20ToB45-Greig-Leach.html#.V9OFspgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: We Tried

The duo of Miguel Angel Benito (Caja Rural Seguros) and Tom Stewart (Madison Genesis) had lost contact with their fellow break away companion, Giovanni Visconti (Movistar).  As they fell further behind the Italian, they peloton was drawing nearer and nearer.  As they raced through the town of Chudleigh they knew their time off the front was over.  Benito reached back to shake the hand of Stewart, thanking him for the collaborative effort, before they were sucked back into the charging peloton.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849667-70-189075/PaintingWe%20Tried%20ToB44-Greig-Leach.html#.V9OBcZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Greipel Is on the Front

First the leader in the Sprint Competition is seen leading the break away up the second climb of the day, then the renowned sprinter, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) is seen leading the peloton on the Category 1 and penultimate climb of the day.  Stranger still, on the wheel of the German National Champion is the leader of the King of the Mountains competition, Xandro Meurisse (Wanty Group Gobert).  I will assume that Greipel is continuing to aide his team as best he can in support of their General Classification man, Tony Gallopin.  Tucked on to the front is a rider from Team Wiggins, I am sorry to say I did not get his name.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849665-69-189075/PaintingGreipel%20Is%20on%20the%20Front%20ToB43-Greig-Leach.html#.V9N-yZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Pressing on Alone

Giovanni Visconti (Movistar) had dropped the last member of the break away  as he summitted the penultimate climb of the day.  He was hoping he could recreate the magic of the last two stages and hold off the whole of the peloton on the way to the line.  With twenty kilometers left to the top of the final rise of the day and the finish line, it is a tall order.  Particularly  with so many  riders hoping to shake up the general classification just a minute or two behind.  All Visconti can do is keep pedaling has hard as he can and let what happens behind happen.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849651-68-189075/PaintingPressing%20on%20Alone%20ToB42-Greig-Leach.html#.V9N745grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: The Last Two

Miguel Angle Benito (Movistar) and Tom Stewart (Madison Genesis) were the last two that were still off of the front of the peloton as the crested the penultimate climb of the day.  The duo were hoping to carry enough of a lead through the descent to be able to hold off the GC contenders on the final ascent to Haytor Rock.  Giovanni certainly has the pedigree to accomplish the task.  He is a two-time Italian National Champion and has won several stages of the Giro d'Italia.  Steward is just thrilled to have the legs to hang onto the Italian's wheel.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849634-67-189075/PaintingThe%20Last%20Two%20ToB41-Greig-Leach.html#.V9N435grLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Hanging on to the Tail

While many were racing in hopes of glory on the front end of the peloton, or even further up the road, others, like Ian Bibby (NFTO) and Boy Van Poppel (Trek Segafredo) were desperate to hold onto the tail of the group.  Fortunately, if they did drop off the back, there was only 20 kilometers left to race, so they need not worry about not making the time cut.  Yes, if a rider does not finish the stage within a certain percentage of the stage winners time, he is disqualified and can not start the next stage.  One way to avoid this fate is to be one of a large group that would force the organizers to kick out too many from the race.  This group is referred to as the Grupetto or the l'Autobus and is frequently where you will find all of the sprinters on a mountain stage.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849633-66-189075/PaintingHanging%20on%20to%20the%20Tail%20ToB40-Greig-Leach.html#.V9Nz8pgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Grabbing Lunch, Literally

First a moment on my grammar soup box.  I am regularly annoyed by the use of the word, "literally" amongst others.  Particularly when the speaker is using the phrase to describe a figurative situation.  But here, Miguel Angel Benito is actually grabbing his lunch from the outstretch arm of his soigneur.  Along the course there is a designated feed zone where the teams will pass musettes with bottles, lunch and tasty treats piled inside.  The riders will then transfer these items to their pockets, bottle cages and, of course, their mouths, before getting back to the task at hand.  Ahead of Benito, Giovanni Visconte (Movistar) and Jasper Bovenhuis (An Post Chain Reaction) are looking for their soigneurs and their lunches.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849628-65-189075/PaintingGrapping%20Lunch,%20Literally%20ToB39-Greig-Leach.html#.V9NxKZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Roadside Repair

Alistair Slater (JLT Condor) managed to drop his chain and get it stuck between the chain rings and the crank arm.  It seems to have been even more complicated than that.  As he tried to set it right on his own, the team car pulled up.  The mechanic grabbed his spare bike off of the roof and help Slater get back underway.  The mechanic could have the pleasure of getting Slater's primary bike repair over night.  He would have a little extra time since tomorrow starts with a 15 kilometer time trial before the teams take on a 90 kilometer circuit race on the same course.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849627-64-189075/PaintingRoadside%20Repair%20ToB38-Greig-Leach.html#.V9NuKZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Climbing Again

That had toe be the reaction of this quartet as they started up Cadbury Hill.  While none of the climbs in the Tour of Great Britain can rival the alpine stages of the Tour de France, the roads have been surprisingly lumpy.  Today's stage featured two category one climbs the second one marked the end of the stage.  The stage included two more categorized climbs, and lots of bumps in between the noted hills.  As testament to the relative ease of the early climbs, it is Jasper Bovenhis (An Post Chain Reaction) in the sprint leader's jersey, who was bringing up the rear of the early break of the day.  With him were Giovanni Visconti (Movistar), Tom Stewart (Madison Genesis) and Miguel Angel Benito (Caja Rural Seguros).

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849625-63-189075/PaintingClimbing%20Again%20ToB37-Greig-Leach.html#.V9Nr0pgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 5: With Inches to Spare

So... the formula works, but it didn't work for Amael Moinard (BMC).  He was caught again by three of his four original break away companions inside of the final kilometer.  It was Javier Moreno (Movistar) who launched first, but Jack Bauer (Cannondale-Drapac) who raised his arms in victory at the line in the resort of Bath.  I was wondering if the peloton would get to "take the waters" before resuming the race tomorrow.  Moinard was able to hold on for second on the stage, with Erick Rowsell (Madison Genesis) rounding out the peloton.  All four finished inches ahead of the charging peloton lead home by the Australian sprinter,  Caleb Ewan (Orica-BikeExchange).  If the race had been another 100 meters, I doubt that the break away would have succeed, it was just that close, just as the formula predicted.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849200-62-189075/PaintingWith%20Inches%20to%20Spare%20ToB36-Greig-Leach.html#.V9H9yZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 5: Moinard Goes Again!

The first to attack out of the break was the Frenchman, Amael Moinard (BMC).  On his first attempt up the final rise before the town of Bath, he was quickly reeled in by most of his former companions. The accelerations proved too much for Johnny McEvoy (NFTO) but then he has moved into second overall in the Sprint Point competition having taken all three sprints on the day.  Moinard went again with just 2.4 kilometers left to race.  He has 27 seconds on the peloton, so it is still touch and go on whether he'll get to the line before the peloton gets to him.  Hopefully he will be rewarded with the most competitive rider at the very least.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849143-61-189075/PaintingMoinard%20Goes%20Again!%20ToB35-Greig-Leach.html#.V9H0lZgrLIU