E3 Harlebeke: The Dash to the Line

As the three off the front came to the line, it was Oliver Naeson (Ag2r La Mondiale) who attacked first.  He had been dropped earlier by his companions, and I am sure he wasn't confident of being able to hold his own against Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep).  And as he expected both went around him with just meters left to the line.  It was a true sign of his respect for the others that he sat up and applauded along with the thousands of fans as Greg Van Avermaet won the day,   As Van Avermaet crossed the line, it was Gilbert who reached out and shook the hand of the Olympic Road Race Champion.  As the announcer said, "the riders know to leave the racing to the race" and they all have true respect and admiration for each other.  So it was Van Avermaet taking first, followed by Gilbert and then Naeson finishing out the podium.  Chapeau to all!

My next race I plan to paint will be the revered Paris Roubaix.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939899-386-195767/PaintingThe%20Dash%20for%20the%20Line%20E317-7.html

E3 Harelbeke: Kop van de Wedstrijd

Kop van de Wedstrijd as best I can understand means the head of the race, at least that is what kept flashing on the screen as they showed the leading group on the road.  This threesome of Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) and Oliver Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale) had over a minute on the remnants of the peloton.  As they road up the penultimate climb, the Oude Kwatrmony, they must be beginning to think that the win would be between themselves.  All three riders are from Belgium, and Gilbert is the reigning Belgium National Champion, so it looks like the drought of Belgium winners will be coming to an end today.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939896-385-195767/PaintingKop%20van%20de%20Wedstrijd%20E317-6.html

E3 Harelbeke: On the Road, Out of the Race

Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) was one of several riders that got caught out in a small pile up in the front end of the peloton.  One of the many risks on the roads of Belgium are the deep joints of cement that run down the center of many of the smaller roads.  So even when the riders are off of the pave, they still are not out of danger.  Sagan was helped back underway by his teammate, Christoph Pfingsten, as well as an enthusiastic cycling fan on the side of the road.  But he got back underway long after the peloton had sped up the road.  It was amusing to notice that the fan helping Sagan get back underway was wearing a Discovery Team kit - the last kit worn by Lance Armstrong.   Good to know there are still some fans of the Texan out watching cycling in Europe.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939892-384-195767/PaintingOn%20the%20Road,%20Out%20of%20the%20Race%20E317-5.html

E3 Harelbeke: Pushing the Pace

Now there was a rather powerful group of riders about a minute up the road containing riders like Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and some other contenders.  Left behind, and chasing hard, was Tony Martin in his new Katusha-Alpecin colors.  Close the the UCI Time Trial Champion was the Rainbow Jersey of the Road Champion, Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrphe).  Keeping an eye on the pair of rather accomplished riders was Matteo Trentin  (Quickstep).  The peloton is speeding across one of the few flat sections of cobbles, the Mairaborreestaat, leaving just 50 kilometers to race and only three more sections of pave to traverse.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939886-383-195767/PaintingPushing%20the%20Pace%20E317-4.html

E3 Harelbeke: Hitting Them Hard

It turn out to be the ascent of the Taaienberg where the racing got serious.  It was the five time winner of this race, Tom Boonen (Quickstep) who launched the first serious attack on the peloton.  Qucikly on to the wheel of the big man from Belgium was the Italian, Daniel Oss (BMC).  The pair had gapped the peloton being lead by the World Champion, Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe).  So for the next 70 kilometers, it is time for full on racing.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939885-382-195767/PaintingHitting%20Them%20Hard%20E317-3.html

E3 Harelbeke: Neutral Service

The cobbles or the avoiding of the cobbles by riding in the ditches on the sides of the road make for a high risk of punctures.  If you combine that with the narrowness of the Belgium roads, a rider can wait a very long time for his team car to help him get going again.  The race organization provides neutral service vehicles that are able to be closer to each group on the road.  The course will split the race apart, spreading the race for tens of kilometers across the back roads of Belgium.  Here, Owain Dull (Sky) has had a wheel change from the Shimano sponsored mechanic and his getting a push to get back underway.  The Sky sprinter has none other than his teammate, Ian Stannard, waiting to help pace him back into the 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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939883-381-195767/PaintingNeutral%20Service%20E317-2.html

E3 Harelbeke: On to the Kruisberg

The race today was being led by a small six man escape that had gotten away at the 60 kilometer mark and they were still away with about 96 kilometers left to race.  The escapees were comprised of Taco Van Der Hoorn (Roompot Nederlandse Loterij), David Per (Bahrain-Merida), Alexis Gougeard (Ag2r La Mondiale), Roger Wagner (LottoNL Jumbo), Laurens De Vreese (Astana) and Christophe Masson (WB Veranclassic Aquality Protect).  They had about four minutes on the chasing peloton as they started up the Oude Krisberg.  E3 Harelbeke is punctuated with short steep cobbled climbs that jar the riders teeth and zap the strength from their legs.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2939881-380-195767/PaintingOn%20to%20the%20Kuisberg%20E317-1.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Anything Left?

This pair, David de la Cruz (Quickstep) and Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) had caught and dropped the flagging Marc Soler (Movistar) and came to the line together for the stage victory.  The vastly more experienced Contador had managed to get de la Cruz to lead the duo onto the final straightaway.  De la Cruz looked back over his shoulder and must have felt that Contador had nothing left for a sprint.  He was right.  De la Cruz took the win on the Promenade des Anglais and the ten second time bonus.  That left a six second bonus for Contador.  Unfortunately for the man who lost the race by four seconds last year, Contador, the Colombian, Sergio Henao (Sky) was able to pull back enough time to end the day holding onto the Maillot Jaune by TWO SECONDS.  In the post race interview, Contador seem almost non-plus about the results.  Perhaps it is his Spanish nature, or just having won every Grand Tour more than once, and this race twice in the past, he just knows what racing is all about.

Thge next race for my paint brushes will be the one day, Milan-San Remo.  So please check back next weekend.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2933009-379-195767/PaintingAnything%20Left?%20PN17-43.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Tete de la Course

Marc Soler (Movistar) decided to play the roll of spoiler on the final kilometers into Nice.  Ironically, after refusing to assist Contador in the chase earlier, he called unsuccessfully to get his two remaining escapees to aid in his efforts.  Being denied, he attacked near the summit of the Col d'Eze, taking the KOM points (which mattered little to everyone), and the bonus seconds at the final intermediate sprint.  The sprint bonus seconds hurt Contador's bid for Yellow, leaving him only two seconds gained in d'Eze.  Behind, the group containing the Yellow Jersey was slowly clawing back precious seconds on the three escapes.  Now they were racing for a stage victory and its bonus seconds.  Should Contador take the stage, the 10 bonus seconds, he would most likely be able to claim the final Maillot Jaune.  Right now, that was in the legs of Soler, but Contador had another rival with him, David de la Cruz (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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932999-378-195767/PaintingTete%20de%20la%20Course%20PN17-42.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Chasing

With the surprise attack of the duo from Trek-Segafredo but the Maillot Jaune of Sergio Henao (Sky) into some serious jeopardy, in fact, at this point Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) was the virtual leader of the race on the road.  Henao had started with a 31 second buffer on the former winner of Paris Nice (and a great deal of other major races), so he need to be very aware of the time splits going forward.  And he needed to pay attention to any bonus seconds Contador may be able to pick up at the intermediate sprint or the finish.  Behind the Maillot Jaune, many were defending their positions and unwilling to assisted the Colombian.  On his wheel was the Basque Jon Izauirre (Bahrain Merida), the Maillot Vert of Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep) follow by yesterday's stage winner, Richie Porte (BMC) and Jakob Fulgsang (Astana).  In the distance you can make out the sole figures of other riders that were finding the final climb of Paris Nice just too, too much.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932985-377-195767/PaintingChasing%20PN17-41.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: The Fruit of His Labors

Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) had ridden hard in the 7th stage of the race and was rewarded with the Polka Dots of the King of the Mountain for his labors.  Not willing to wear the jersey for just one day (as Axel Domont (Ag2r La Mondiale) had prior to surrendering it to Calmejane), he got himself over the tops of the first four climbs on the day, thus ensuring that he will finished the day as the over all winner of the King of the Mountains once he crosses the line in Nice.  Calmejane had the advantage of being shepherded by the very experienced and successful Sylvain Chavanel.  Riding in this group at the start of the final climb, Col d'Eze were Julien El Fares (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) and surprisingly the sprinter, Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Merida).

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932974-376-195767/PaintingThe%20Fruit%20of%20His%20Labors%20PN17-40.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Do Some Work!

After sprinting away from the peloton with the help of his teammate, Jarlinson Pantano (Trek Segafredo), Alberto Contador quickly caught up with the large break away that was just up the road.  He was able to slip up to the front of the group and use them to slow down Sergio Henao's chase.  Contador started to get a bit frustrated as the break away simply jumped onto the Spaniard's wheel and didn't contribute to the effort.  He repeatedly turned around to gesture to those following to come forward and do a pull.  On his wheel was Marc Soler (Movistar) who wasn't about to help Contador put time into his team leader, and I doubt Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) had much to offer.  Finally, the UAE Abu Dhabi riders, Simone Petilli and Diego Ulissi came to the front to give a bit of a break to the gesticulating Spaniard.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932896-375-195767/PaintingDo%20Some%20Work!%20%20PN17-39.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Hitting Hard

As soon as Philip Deignan (Sky) swung off of the front of the peloton were he was working for his team leader (and Yellow Jersey wearer), Sergio Henao, Jarlison Pantano (Trek-Segafredo) attacked the Maillot Jaune pulling his team leader Alberto Contador along.  The Trek-Segafredo duo seemed to be laying in wait for the moment to pounce.  Contador has a tradition of not waiting to the final climb of the day to go on the offensive.  Adding to that is the fact that he started the day 31 seconds behind the Colombian, Sergio Henao.  Riding on the wheel of the Yellow Jersey is Dan Martin (Quickstep).  He doesn't want to aid in the chase because he has a teammate up the road.  At this point he can afford to let Contador go, and worry about his over all placing as they get closer to Nice.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932884-374-195767/PaintingHitting%20Hard%20PN17-38.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Opening Up a Gap

Even though there was a large break away up the road, these three decided that there just wasn't a hard enough pace in the peloton, so off they went in search of stage glory.  Up the road Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) was grabbing up all of the King of the Mountain points, by the summit of this climb he made sure that he would be the winner of the Polka Dot Jersey for the whole of this year's race.  All he has to do is make sure he finished along the coast in Nice.  The trio of David de la Cruz (Quickstep), Simone Petilli (UAE Abu Dhabi) and Serge Pauwels (Dimension Data) used the upper slopes of the penultimate climb of the day, the Cote de Peille to simply ride the others off of their wheels.  Not only was this the penultimate climb of the day it was the same for the entire 75th Paris Nice.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932872-373-195767/PaintingOpening%20Up%20a%20Gab%20PN17-37.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: Evenly Matched

The two leaders of their respective teams found themselves riding shoulder to shoulder past the melting snow with just one kilometer left to race.  Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) and the Colombian champion, Sergio Henao (Sky) seemed to be evenly matched, but out ridden by Richie Porte (BMC).  Henao was higher on the GC then Contador, so if the Spaniard wanted to take over the Maillot Jaune, he was going to have to attack the Colombian.  He did, but wasn't able to get enough of a gap to close the time difference.  With Alaphilippe down the mountain side, it was Henao that would be wearing the Maillot Jaune for the final stage into the streets of Nice.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932591-372-195767/PaintingEvenly%20Matched%20PN17-36.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: Something to Prove

The defending champion of Paris Nice had something to prove on the way to the highest summit ever in the Race to the Sun.  Richie Porte (BMC) had lost big chunks of time in the early stages of the race, so he had some honor to regain against those he left behind near the top of the Col de la Couillole.  He looks back over his shoulder and can see that Alberto Contado (Trek-Segafredo), Sergio Henao (Sky), Dan Martin (Quickstep) and Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) had all fanned out across the road.  None of them were willing to do the chase and drag the others back up to the front of the race.  For the record, Porte did prove that he had the legs to climb, and took the Queen's stage of the 75th Paris Nice.  But behind was the race for the Maillot Jaune.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932589-371-195767/PaintingSomething%20to%20Prove%20PN17-35.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: Trading in the Maillot Jaune

Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep) was unable to go with the big accelerations from the domestiques of Sergio Henao (Sky) and Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo).  He quickly lost contact with the main peloton and had his faithful assistant, David de la Cruz to help him limited his losses.  Alaphilippe could take some comfort from knowing that his teammate Dan Martin was still hanging tough with the heads of the climbing state.  He can find further comfort in realizing that while he may not keep the Maillot Jaune, he will be holding the Maillot Blanc since the next closes in that classification has already been dropped.  Joining the Quickstep duo, but not offering any assistance, were Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) and Diego Ulissi (UAE Abu Dhabi).  Ulissi had been on the front of the race at the bottom of the climb, but just couldn't hold onto the peloton as it sped past.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932585-370-195767/PaintingTrading%20in%20the%20Maillot%20Jaune%20PN17-34.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: Being Left Behind

The final ascent of the day was reeking havoc on many of the riders, some with a bit of a pedigree in the mountains.  All of the sprinters had already formed the l'autobus and were trailing even this duo by roughly a half hour.  Both Pierre Rolland (Cannondale Drapac) and Tsgabu Grmay (Bahrain Merida) were finding the multiple climbs and the pace of the peloton to be too much.  As they neared the tunnel, the light just seemed to go out of their eyes as they labored up the mountain.  It can be very encouraging when even the Mavic neutral service vehicle leaves you to fend for yourself.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932579-369-195767/PaintingBeing%20Left%20Behind%20PN17-33.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: In Pursuit

This trio comprised of Cyril Gautier (Ag2r La Mondiale), Quentin Pacher (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) and Diego Ulissi (UAE Abu Dhabi) were trying to chase down the lone Frenchman who was just up the road.  The three certainly had the advantage of numbers now that the four had reached the valley roads ahead of the final climb up the Col de la Couillole.  Unfortunately for them, the peloton wasn't far behind, and all of the General Classification were looking to use the mountain top finish to put time into their rivals.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932577-368-195767/PaintingIn%20Pursuit%20PN17-32.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: Looking Through the Turn

Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) was on a brilliant ride for the Queen's Stage of the 75th Paris Nice.  He had gotten himself into the early break and took maximum points on all of the climbs.  By the time he got to the top of the penultimate climb of the day up the Col Saint Martin, he was on his own having dropped all of his break away companions.  All he had to do was stay upright to the finish and he would become the next to wear the Polka Dot Jersey of the King of the Mountains.  Part of staying up right is looking through the turns so that you can pick the best line that will hold the highest speed through the corner.  Since this was an intersection, there was no banking to help keep him on course.  Fortunately he made it through easily.  Now could he keep a small gap across the valley floor and up to the summit of the Col de la Couillole?

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932574-367-195767/PaintingLooking%20Through%20the%20Turn%20PN17-31.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: Testing the Legs

Today has been dubbed the Queen Stage, the next to last stage of this year's Paris Nice.  And it was a doosey of a stage, too.  The peloton faced three category 1 climbs and a category 2 along the way, the third category one summit was the end of the stage atop the Col de la Couillole.  On the penultimate climb of the day, Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) decided he would have a stretch of his legs and see just how much of a gab he could open up on the following peloton.  Too many in the group behind knew of Fulgsang's strength, so there was no letting the Dane go.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932573-366-195767/PaintingTesting%20the%20Legs%20Pn17-30.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: For the Cameras

Obviously, Simon Yates (Orica Scott) was delighted with his stage victory in Fayence.  He was giving jubilant shouts and enthusiastic gestures to the crowd all caught by the hordes of press photographers seemingly sitting in formation.  I was struck by how similar the press core's positioning reminded me of the gun battle formations used by British soldiers in the American Revolutionary War.  I know, I have silly things rolling around in my head that sometime sneaks onto my computer screen.  Never the less, well done Simon!

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932293-365-195767/PaintingFor%20the%20Cameras%20%20PN17-29.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: Good News!

The method of delivering the time gaps may be a bit archaic, but seeing the chalkboard telling Simon Yates (Orica-Scott) telling him that the peloton was 55 seconds behind had to lift the young Brits spirits.  Then to see both the time gap and the red kite signifying that there was only one kilometer left to race, had to give him all the energy he needed to claim the stage.  Behind, the peloton was sparring with each other trying to gain just a few seconds on each other.  Ultimately, those behind didn't really change their race standings much at all.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932292-364-195767/PaintingGood%20News!%20%20PN17-28.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: On the Move

The pace setting by Mikel Neive for his team leader Sergio Henao (Sky) wasn't enough to either shake the Maillot Jaune of Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep) nor stop the attacks of stage hopefuls.  One of those who was able to jump out of the small peloton containing the Yellow Jersey was Simon Yates (Orica Scott).  Yates is wearing the Maillot Blanc of the Best Young Rider of the race.  Actually, the jersey belongs to Alaphilippe, but since he is already wearing the yellow, Yates wears it as the second best young rider in this Paris Nice.  Yates was over two minutes down on the race lead, so no one was all that eager to chase after his attack.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932288-363-195767/PaintingOn%20the%20Move%20PN17-27.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: Damn, They're Here!

Eduardo Sepulveda (Fortuneo-Vital Concept) must have been disappointed when he looked back over his shoulder and saw the closing Sky led peloton.  Alessandro Di Marchi (BMC) seemed more resigned to the inevitable capture so didn't seem to find the need to look over his shoulder.  With the last of the break now cauight, it was only a matter of time before the attacks for stage victory or placing on the general classification.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932282-362-195767/PaintingDamn,%20They're%20Here!%20PN17-26.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: On to the Climb

For the first time in the 75th Paris Nice, the familiar sight of a peloton being lead by the boys in black of  Team Sky.  By this point it was Sebastian Henao (Sky) followed by his cousin and Colombian National Champion, Sergio Henao.  Waiting in the wings to take over for Sebastian on the front was Mikel Nieve.  Just a  guy or two back you can  just see the Yellow Jersey on the back of the young Frenchman, Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep).

The peloton was now climbing up to the end of the stage before heading back out for another lap around the countryside near Fayence.  They were just 30 seconds behind the last two members of the early morning break.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932277-361-195767/PaintingOn%20to%20the%20Climb%20PN17-25.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: An Attacking Duo

As this duo of Eduardo Sepulveda (Fortuneo Vital Concept) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) went up the slopes of Col de Bourigallle, they were all that was left of the early break away.  Just behind the two attackers was the neutral service moto, ready to provide a quick wheel change for either rider given how far back their team cars are.  The other moto is one belonging to race officials, keeping an eye on just what the pair were up to.  Early in this year's Paris Nice, Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) was pulled out of the race for getting to much assistance from his team car.  He was holding on to the car while bogus repairs were being "made" as he was dragged back into the race.  Today, everything was on the up and up.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932259-360-195767/PaintingAn%20Attacking%20Duo%20PN17-24.html

Paris Nice, Stage 5: Embracing His Victory

The Gorilla, also known as Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal), through his arms wide as he cross the line first iin Bourg de Peage.  Greipel has been close a couple of times thus far, but he must feel truly relieved to have his stage win before the road starts getting lumpy tomorrow.  In the shadow of his outstretched arms were Arnaud Demare (FDJ), Dylan Groenwegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) and John Degenkolb (Trek Segafredo).  Demare's second place on the day earned him the outright ownership of the Maillot Vert of most consistent sprinter.  It is now unlikely that either Degenkolb nor Groenwegen, let alone Marcel Kittel (Quickstep) will get a stage win in the 75th Paris Nice.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932251-359-195767/PaintingEmbracing%20His%20Victory%20PN17-23.html