Giro, Final Stage: Taking His Third

Here it is the final painting of the final stage of the 101st Giro d'Italia.  It has been almost as difficult for me to get here as it has for many of the riders.  Like Giuseppe Fonzi (Wilier Triestina) I am arriving far later to the line than the rest of the race, or of those who have followed the daily progress of this most beautiful of stage races.  It was Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) who punched the air in victory with the Coloseum as a carefully placed back drop.  It appeares that Elia Viviani (Quickstep) saw that he was going to be beat at the line and just stopped pedaling.  He still took second on the day holding more than enough points to go out the best sprinter in the Giro.  Rounding out third is Jean-Pierre Drucker (BMC).  Though it will be awhile before that finish their day, the top three on GC, Chris Froome, Tom Dumoulin, and Miguel Angel Lopez will hold their positions.  Lopez also takes home the Maglia Bianca of best young rider.  Chris Froome gets just a bit greedy taking both the Maglia Rosa of race leader and Maglia Azurro of best climber.  Chapeau to all 155 racers who finished, and to the 21 who did not.

I will be back at this for the Tour de France, with an added bonus of daily videos as I paint one of the paintings of each stage.  Look for them at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3170402-98-249297/PaintingTaking-His-Third--G18-102.html

Giro, Final Srage: Modern Day Warriors

As they rounded the final corner, it was Team Quick Step that hit the front.  Elia Viviani, their team leader, was looking for another stage win.  His Maglia Ciclamino wasn't in danger, but there isn't a sprinter who doesn't want to win every stage they can.  Behind the self titled Wolf Pack was Bahrain Merida.  I wonder how many of those along the side of the roads had plan on seeing the final stage of the Giro and how many were just caught up in the crowds while trying to see the sites.  Again, I have ridden these roads, without cheering crowds and with quite a few cars and tour buses.  Clearly, I am dreaming of being back in Rome riding around this eternal city.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3170399-97-249297/PaintingRiding-'Round-Roma--G18-101.html

Giro, Final Stage: Attacking the Bell Lap

On the final lap through the streets of Rome, a small group got away led by Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin).  He went clear of the rest as they crested the only climb of the day.  Just to his left are the Spanish Steps leading back down to the piazza.  His route will include a couple of tight hair pin turns before encircling the piazza on their way back to the Coloseum.  Just off of the piazza is a small church that houses on of Caravaggio's best paintings, the Crucifixion of St. Peter.  Oddly it is located in a dimly lit side altar, although a few euros will bring it to brilliant light for a few minutes.  I digress.  With a rider like Tony Martin, it will be a big effort for the sprinters' lead out trains to re-establish control at the front of the race.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3170397-96-249297/PaintingAttacking-the-Bell-Lap--G18-100.html

Giro, Final Stage: Riding 'Round Roma

I have ridden this exact stretch of road!  Not as fast, not without traffic and certainly not with anyone cheering my progress around the city, but exciting just the same.  With half of the peloton out the back and out of danger, this duo of Viacheslav Kuznetsov (Katusha-Alpecin) and Christopher Juul Jensen (Mitchelton-Scott) thought they might be able to surprise the sprinters' and their teams.  With 29 kilometers, or just under three laps to go, it was unlikely that they will succeed.  It is the Colosseum on their right as they swing through the Piazzo del Colosseo and head into the finishing straight. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3170227-95-249297/PaintingRiding-'Round-Roma--G18-99.html

Giro, Final Stage: Letting the Air Out

Mads Pedersen (Trek Segafredo) the Danish National Champion, has ridden enough pave in his life to know that you need a little less air in the tires to handle the rough roads.  Having ridden thorugh Rome while a Visiting Artist to the American Academy in Rome, I knew just how rough the roads were.  I didn't think they were all that bad, after all I have also ridden in Manhattan (New York City) as well as the back roads of West Virginia.

But Pedersen actions are a great analogy for what happened during the final stage of this Giro.  Chris Froome and others high up in the general classification basically called a sit down strike to protest the concieved dangers of the course.  After much slow riding and discussion it was decided to neutralize the stage, taking the final GC times on the third lap of the ten lap circuit.  This was done in order to reduce risk - or to take away a very real chance that there would be serious racing through Rome and upsets (maybe even for Froome himself) in the overall standings at the end of the day.  Once this was set, those with hopes of winning the stage, or assisting their sprinters, got on with racing, while the rest just tooled around the city for awhile.  The Gruppo Maglia Rosa finished the day ten minutes behind the sprinters! 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3170222-94-249297/PaintingLetting-the-Air-Out--G18-98.html

Giro, Final Stage, Curtain Call

All put one rider of Team Sky joined arms as they rode throught Roma in celebration of a quite historic win.  Missing was Vasil Kiryienka who pulled out two days ago.  Those who got to take the bow with their pink handlebar tape flashing (Froome has a brilliant pink bike instead) where, Chris Froome, Kenny Elissonde, David de la Cruz, Sergio Henao, Christian Knees, Wout Poels and Salvatore Puccio.  Earlier the announcers were claiming that Froome was the first rider to hold all three grand tour jersey at once.  While that isn't correct, he is now just one of three to accomplish that feat.  Miguel Indurain achieved that remarkable task and the great Eddy Merckx went on better, winning four consecutive grand tours.  Froome will be starting the Tour, so he could equal Merckx this July.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

This painting is sold!

Giro, Final Stage: First and Last

During the neutral role out, and through much of the early part of the stage (more about that later), riders had sometime to chat, congratulate each other, and generally revel in getting through to the final stage of the 101st Giro d'Italia.  Giuseppe Fonzi (Wilier Triestina) mad sure to congratulate Chriss Froome (Sky).  The pair represent the fastest, the Maglia Rosa and the slowest finisher, in the Tour de France, it is called the lantern rouge, here it is the Maglia Nera (black jersey).  While there was breifly an actual jersey awarded, now it is just a dubious honor.  For Fonzi, he was an animator of many break aways, so has no reason to hang his head.  Plus unlike some twenty plus riders, he made it to the final stage.  Beside the two, you can just see Elia Viviani (Quickstep) leaning in to chat with another rider on Team Sky.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3170188-92-249297/PaintingFirst-and-Last-G18-96.html

Giro, Stage 20: Well Done

The first to reach out and shake Chris Froome's (Sky) hand was his most loyal lieutenant, Wout Poels.  Poels had been dropped by the multiple attacks on the final climb of the Giro.  He managed to claw his way back up to Froome and the rest of the contenders.  Not only did he rejoin, but he had the legs to lead out Froome in a sprint that added six more seconds to the Maglia Rosa's lead over Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb).  The only one holding onto the wheels of the Team Sky duo was Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida), who had clearly recovered from his bad day on stage 19.  The next to cross was Richard Carapaz (Movistar) but he was unable to gain time on Angel Miguel Lopez's (Astana) Maglia Bianca.  So, no jerseys changed hands today, and it is very unlikely that any will change in Rome either.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169726-91-249297/PaintingWell-Done--G18-95.html

Giro, Stage 20: Flying Solo

Mikel Nieve's (Mitchelton-Scott) gamble paid off big.  Nieve, who spent most of this Giro working for his team leader, Simon Yates, showed just how strong of a climber he is.  He road all of the final climb on his own gaining time on all of the rest of those left in the race on the way to Cervinia and his team's sixth stage victory.  I have grown use to seeing less exciting vehicles as race cars, but leave it to the Giro d'Italia to use the gorgeous Alpha Romeos to ride the race directors and referees around.  Not bad, not bad at all.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169721-90-249297/PaintingFlying-Solo--G18-94.html

Giro, Stage 20: What He Must Do

Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) had only one option if he was going to win the Giro d'Italia.  Attack, attack, attack.  With ten kilometers left to race for GC, Dumoulin went hard on a steep section of the climb up to Cervinia.  Chris Froome (Sky) was quickly on to the Dutchman's wheel.  The two traded blows the rest of the way up to the finish of the last stage of hostilities.  The stage on the streets of Rome will be one for the sprinters, but it is tradition not to attack the Maglia Rosa on the final day of the Giro, as it is in the Tour de France or the Veulta d'Espania.  At this point, Dumoulin was the only one in the group with a teammate.  He had the able assistance of Sam Oomen, who was hoping that he could help is team leader while also moving up in the Maglia Bianca for himself.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169717-89-249297/PaintingWhat-He-Must-Do--G18-93.html

Giro, Stage 20: The Last 10 K of Climbing

As Mikel Nieve (Mitchelton-Scott) started up the final climb of this Giro d'Italia, the Cervinia, he set off on his own.  Nieve had been working tirelessly helping is team leader, Simon Yates, hold onto his Maglia Rosa for thirteen days.  Now he was free to use his climbing prowess to his own gain.  Riding under the ten kilometers to go banner, it was looking like he was going to get his first stage win, and the sixth for his team.  Despite not holding the Maglia Rosa all of the way to Rome, Mitchelton-Scott has had a brilliant Giro!

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169675-88-249297/PaintingThe-Last-10-K-of-Climbing--G18-92.html

Giro, Stage 20: Cooked

All of the effort, all of the kilometers, all of the climbs, and all of the attacking yesterday seemed to have finally caught up with Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ).  On the way up the Col Saint Pantaleon the Frenchman seemed to hit a wall.  He was cooked.  One of his teammates got him a bottle from the team car, passed it over, Pinot simply passed it back to the car.  He knew his Giro had ended and he wasn't going to be on the podium after all.  He was escorted through the rest of the stage by Sebastien Reichenbach, Jeremy Roy and Steve Morabito.  Pinot had fought hard for the complete race but sometimes the body says enough is enough.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169671-87-249297/PaintingCooked--G18-91.html

Giro, Stage 20: Free to Race

Given the collapse of Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida), his teammate, Matej Mohoric was free to race for himself on the penultimate stage of this the 101st Giro d'Italia.  Mohoric had left his break away companions at the base of the Col Saint Pantaleon in hopes of imitating Froome's feat from the day before.  With forty four kilometers to race, it was a tall order for the Slovenian to stay off the front despite that he was no threat to any of those in the top ten on the general classification.  The other possiblity is that he was setting himself up as a aide for Pozzovivo to bridge up to on the final climb.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169669-86-249297/PaintingFree-to-Race--G18-90.html

Giro, Stage 20: The Fruit of His Labors

Team Sky just had to pay attention today.  Chris Froome's brilliant riding over the past two days have put him into the maglia rosa.   He has 46 seconds on the rider who has been second overall for the entire 101st Giro d'Italia, Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb).  As the peloton started up the Col Tescore, Froome had Salvatore Puccio and Sergio Henao in front and Wout Poels bringing up the rear.  They looked ready for anything Dumoulin would try.  None of the others were close enough to his lead to be much of a worry to the likely holder of all three grand tour titles similtaneously. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169465-85-249297/PaintingThe-Fruit-of-His-Labors--G18-89.html

Giro, Stage 19: Climbing into Pink

Chris Froome (Team Sky) pulled off an amazing feet today!  To be down almost four minutes on stage 17, and to have attacked solo with 75 kilometers that included two catagorized climbs, all to come alone to the line is stunning.  I truly hope it is a clean ride, it certainly was an exciting one!  Froome is now the Maglia Rosa with a forty second lead over the perpetual second place Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb).  With just one more day in the mountains, and as in the honor of stage racing, just one more day to fight out the general classification, it appears to be Froome's race.  That will make him the first rider in decades to hold the winner's jersey in all three grand tours at once.  Last season he took both the Tour de France and the Veulta d'Espania, and may well now have the next grand tour in succession, the Giro d'Italia.  Or he could blow tomorrow like he did after taking the stage to the top of Monte Zoncolan.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169155-84-249297/PaintingClimbing-into-Pink--G18-88.html

Giro, Stage 19: Getting a Bit of a Gap

While Chris Froome was up the road, now wearing the Virtual Maglia Rosa, Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) wasn't done trying to improve his position on the general classification.  He was able to use his sticcato rhythm climbing technique to open up a gap on Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb), who is more of a methodical time-trialing type of climber.  Pinot had already secured the bottom step of the podium as he climbed to Bardonecchia, perhaps he could gain more time on the Dutchman behind him on the road.  Dumoulin does have over two minutes on the Frenchman, so he would be wise to stay within himself, and hope he can pull back just enough time to pull on the Maglia Rosa.  His second overall is still well in hand with six kilometers left to race to the summit.  Holding on to the wheel of Dumoulin is Richard Carapaz (Movistar) hoping to get enough time to re-take the Maglia Bianca of best young rider. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169152-82-249297/PaintingGetting-a-Bit-of-a-Gap--G18-87.html

Giro, Stage 19: Losing Time

I admit that I am a little suspect of Chris Froome's (Sky) solo escape to take the Maglia Rosa today.  I can remember when Floyd Landis did much the same way back in the early 2000's in the Tour de France.  He went on to win that race only to have the title stripped due to doping.  I pray that is not why this group of Richard Carapaz (Movistar), Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana) Segastien Reichenbach (Groupama-FDJ) and Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) couldn't chase down the lone figure of Froome.  Strength in numbers should have played to their favor, that an a desire for Dumoulin to be the one in pink (as he was way back at the start of this Giro).  Others had a little less to ride for, but just barely.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3169150-81-249297/PaintingLosing-Time-G18-86.html

Giro, Stage 19: Maximum Risk

Sometimes you have to go against what is expected to make something happen.  That is what Team Sky and Chris Froome set out to do on the Colle del Finestre.  The team road hard all day, drivng a ferocious pace up the lower slopes of this monumental climb.  When Froome's last teammate rolled off the front, it was time for the four time winner of the Tour de France to go.  Attacking solo at 74 kilometers to race is a huge risk, particularly with another two mountains to climb before this Queen Stage was over.  But as an artist and a former amateur racer, I know that nothing risked most often means nothing gained.  At this point in the climb he isn't quite into the virtual lead yet, but it sure looks like he will be at the end of the stage.  The tifosi are certainly enjoying the show.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3168911-80-249297/PaintingMaximum-Risk--G18-85.html

Giro, Stage 19: Climbing the GC

With the now former holder of the Maglia Rosa struggling further down the mountain, it was time for everyone to see if they would be the next leader of the Giro.  Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) was now the virtual Maglia Rosa as he led both Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) and Richard Carapaz (Movistar) up the Colle de Finestre.  Pinot was now in second place on the road since Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida) was another to be bowed by the gravel roads of the Cima Coppi (the highest point in this Giro d'Italia).  I have watched the peloton make this climb in blinding snow storms in the past, so just some snow on the side of the road is a much safer sight.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3168827-79-249297/PaintingClimbing-the-GC--G18-84.html

Giro, Stage 19: The Struggle Is Real

The small cracks that opened in Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) in stage 18 became large fissures on the first truly big climb of the day.  Yates slipped off the back of the peloton on the lower slopes of the Colle del Finestre with another 78 kilometers to the end of the stage.  As all of the other GC contenders road away, he knew his Maglia Rosa was gone and his hopes for a top ten finish along with it.  He was being escorted by his loyal teammates, but right now he couldn't even hold their wheels.  Behind him, Jan Hirt (Astana) was willing to sit on the Brit's wheel and let his teammates up the road know if Yates re-found his legs.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3168816-78-249297/PaintingThe-Struggle-Is-Real--G18-83.html

Giro, Stage 19: Climbing Alone

Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) has been riding an agressive Giro, and today's Queen Stage was no exception.  Sanchez had jumped free of the breakaway on the ascent of the Colle del Finestrie, followed only by the Shimano neutral service vehicle.  Suddenly he sat up, stretched out his back and legs and started soft pedaling.  He apparently had been told to wait for his team leader, Miguel Angel Lopez who was struggling a bit on the early slopes of the Cima Coppi.  Given the way he was riding, he seemed a shame to pull the Spaniard back when the team has yet to win a stage in the 101st Giro d'Italia.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3168812-77-249297/PaintingClimbing-Alone--G18-82.html

Giro, Stage 18: Catching Them Napping

Chris Froome (Sky) is not one to give up.  Actually, professionally cycling is about not giving up, fighting the odds, and fighting your body.  This isn't a sane activity - even for us weekend warriors.  Froome attacked the Maglia Rosa while he and everyone else were eyeing each other.  Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) and Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain-Merida) were able to catch the wheel of the fleeing Brit, but for the first time in his debute Giro Simon Yates (Mitchelton Scott) wasn't able to respond.  It was Pozzovivo who finished ahead of the trio of contenders, followed by Dumoulin and Froome.  Yates came home 28 seconds later, thus narrowing his lead to just 28 seconds over Dumoulin with Pozzovivo in third by over two minutes.  Froome is in fourth, now three minutes and 22 seconds behind.  Two more mountain stages should make for some very exciting racing before Roma.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167754-76-249297/PaintingCatching-Them-Napping--G18-81.html

Giro, Stage 18: Sneak Peak

This duo from the original break of twelve proved to be the strongest on the ascent of the Prato Nevoso.  Maximilian Schachman (Quick Step) is looking back to see where the other two had gone, while Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli) was looking at Schachmann.  It looks to me like Cattaneo is about to take advantage of Schachmann's blind side to go on an attack.  Ultimately, it was Schachmann who took stage honors on the summit adding to Quicksteps impressive total of stage wins in the Giro (5) and this season (36).  Cattaneo did finish second.  All of the break ended the day well ahead of the GC contenders who finished their day eleven minutes after Schachmann.  More about that in the next post.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167752-75-249297/PaintingSneak-Peak--G18-80.html

Giro, Stage 18: Skirmishes

So the question is... "When will they develop a pen that has spell check and will check your grammar as well?"  The word I was going for was "skrimishes" not "scrimmages".   The two are totally different kinds of confrontations.  For the strong men of the formally large break away, the ascent of the Prato Nevoso was a war of attrition.  Each of this four man group put in an attack on the others.  And several found themselves dangling off the back of the quartet as well.  Reuben Plaza (Israel Cycling Academy) is just checking the eyes of Christoph Pfingsten (Bora-Hansgrohe) before having another dig.  Behind them Maximilian Schachmann (Quick Step) and Mattia Cataneo (Androni Giocattoli) wait to see what they will be able to do in response.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167749-74-249297/PaintingScrimmages--G18-79.html

Giro, Stage 18: On the Side of the Road

There are times when what I choose to paint from a stage has no real impact on the story of the racing.  Sometimes it is just the visual interest of the image that leads me to hit pause and pick up my paint brush.  That is this one.  From art class, and color theory, green and purple should never be used to create a painting, they are theoretically incompatable.  So, naturally, that is why I wanted to do this image of Elia Viviani (Quick Step) in his Maglia Ciclamino stopping in the tall grass along the route.  Never did find out what the problem was.  But given how quickly the camera got off of the Italian, I am guessing he was just stopping to answer the call of nature.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167739-73-249297/PaintingOn-the-Side-of-the-Road--G18-78.html

Giro, Stage 18: Large Group & a Large Gap

It was a dozen guys who saw today's stage as the day that break would succeed.  Given that they have already built up a 14 minute gap with 63 kilometers left to the finish line atop Prato Nevoso, they sure seem to be right.  Davide Ballerini (Androni Giocattoli) drops back to his team car for a bottle and a quick stradegy meeting.  Ballerini is one of those with a teammate in the group.  Their presence in the break continues the team's 100% participation rate in every break of the 101st Giro.  Just ahead of the Italian is Boy van Poppel (Trek-Segafredo) and Alex Turrin (Wilier Triestina).

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167729-72-249297/PaintingLarge-Group-&-a-Large-Gap--G18-77.html

Giro, Stage 17: Making a Splash

The weather at the line in Iseo wasn't ideal, but Elia Viviani's (Quick Step) sprint sure was.  The leader in the sprint jersey had the perfect leadout from his teammates that delivered him to his fourth Giro stage win in the pouring rain.  He held off the closing Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe) who is out of frame, and Niccolo Bonifazio (Bahrain-Merida).  It was Danny van Poppel (LottoNL Jumbo) taking fourth on the stage.  He was unable to box in or hold of the leader in the sprint points competition.  Sprinting in the background is yet another rider from Androni Giocattoli, Andrea Vendrame.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167330-71-249297/PaintingMaking-a-Splash--G18-76.html

Giro, Stage 17: I Think We're Done

The last two left from the only break that succeed (slightly) were Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC).  Both have been animators of the Giro over the second week of the race, and they don't seem to be letting up.  However, they are certainly surrendering to the power of the peloton and the desire of the sprinters to have their day.  At this point there was only 11 seconds between the duo and the peloton and still another 12 kilometers left to go.  The odds were clearly not in their favor.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167327-70-249297/PaintingI-Think-We're-Done--G18-75.html

Giro, Stage 17: When Legs Are Faster

There are times when the light agile racing bikes can do a better job of handling tight corners than the larger and heavy motorbikes that escort the race around Italy.  Long ago, I got to discover just how much faster a bicycle could whip through traffic when I was a bike courier in DC.  Today as they worked their through small town on their way towards Iseo, the break away caught a group of motos.  Fortunately the foursome of Alessandro De Marchi (BMC), Wout Poels (Sky), Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Ben Hermans (Israel Cycling Academy) were able to stay upright.  I am sure De Marchi had a few choice words for the driver who's actions almost brought the Italian to grief.  There have been some horrible wrecks between motos and racers, I sure hope that we don't see one again anytime soon. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167325-69-249297/PaintingWhen-Legs-Are-Faster-G18-74.html

Giro, Stage 17: Tangling at the Back

I had meant to call this piece, "Dangling at the Back," but clearly that isn't what I wrote.  I was going to try and correct it, but then thought that Tangling is what is actually going on here.  Today was the 17th stage and was perhaps the fastest stage (and Giro) yet.  At the back of the peloton a little bit of an argument of gestures was going on between Brendan Canty (EF Education First) and Markel Irizar (Trek-Segafredo).  Canty seems to be trying to get Irizar to take the dimishing wheels of the peloton, rather than taking a pull himself.  Behind, Vasil Kiryienka (Sky) was just off the back.  Not a place I am used to seeing the strong, unrelenting Belarussian.  I had the pleasure of watching Kiryienka take the Time Trial World Champion's jersey in Richmond, Virginia in 2015. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167320-68-249297/PaintingTangling-at-the-Back--G18-73.html

Giro, Stage 16: Sheer Desire

It has been said that the Malliot Jeune gives you wings.  The same must be true of the Maglia Rosa.  Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) started the day with two minutes and eleven seconds on second place Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb).  It was fully expected by all involved that Dumoulin would be able to use his expertise and size to power ratio to pull back all of that time and more.  Instead, Yates brilliantly and courageously defended his lead.  He finished twentieth on the day, but that was enough to keep him in the pink jersey by 56 seconds.  His other main rivals are two minutes or more behind him.  Given how he has been riding in the high mountians, tomorrows flat stage for the sprinters to recover and two mountain top finishes before the finale in Roma, it seems unlikely that he will not win the 101st Giro d'Italia.  But, anything can happen, and anyone can have a bad day.  Not a bad position to be in for a debute appearance in the Giro.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166977-67-249297/PaintingSheer-Desire--G18-72.html

Giro, Stage 16: Keeps the Italian Hopes Alive

It wasn't until I was photographing this painting to post that I discovered I hadn't written, "Keeping the Italian Hopes Alive"  I was able to squeeze in an "S" to make some sort of grammatical sense for this, perhaps, my favorite of my Giro paintings.  Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida) had his best time trial of his career, allowing him to hold third on the general classification against some true strongman of the discipline.  He is the, somewhat unexpected, best place Italian in their home tour.  With his climbing legs, he is still in with a chance to move up on the GC, maybe even to take the Maglia Rosa in the last week of the race.  His legs out style may not have looked pretty today, but it sure got the job done!

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166970-66-249297/PaintingKeeps-the-Italian-Hopes-Alive--G18-71.html

Giro, Stage 16: Looking for Stage Honors

Rohan Dennis (BMC), the time trial champion of Australia, went out looking for a time trial stage win today.  He was just two seconds off of the pace in the opening TT in Jerusalem to kick off the 101st Giro d'Italia.  It was two seconds he made up the next day to pull on the Maglia Rosa for two stages while racing in Israel.  I doubt he expected to regain the over all lead, but he certainly found the stage victory he wanted.  He finished twnety two seconds ahead of the current time trial world champion as well as fourteen seconds ahead of the four time champion, Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin).  His time today did move him into sixth overall, leaving his in striking distance of the podium in Rome.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166968-65-249297/PaintingLooking-for-Stage-Honors--G18-70.html

Giro, Stage 16: Not What He Wanted

As Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) road through the second time check, he had it confirmed that he was not having the best of days.  His 66th place finish in Roverto moved him down to 5th overall, not the direction he wanted to move in.  He will have to count on his climbing legs to get past Chris Froome (Sky) and Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida) if he is to finish on the podium.  That translate to less than a minute to be gained in five stages, three of which will be contested in the mountains.  As we all know, in stage racing, anything can happen - and usually does.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166953-64-249297/PaintingNot-What-He-Wanted--G18-69.html

Giro, Stage 16: Looking for Two Minutes

Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) started his race of truth looking to pull back just over two minutes on the maglia rosa.  It was a tall order in a flat 34 kilometer individual time trial.  But as his rainbow bands suggest, he cerainly has the skill and power to do it.  While he did his best finishing just 14 seconds off of the race winning time on the stage, his rainbow stripes were no match for the boost of the maglia rosa.  His ride solidified his second place over all, but wasn't enough by 56 seconds to take back the race lead that he had at the end of the first stage way back in Jerusalem.  He does have two and a quarter minutes over the rider in third, Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida).

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166943-63-249297/PaintingLooking-for-Two-Minutes-G18-68.html

Giro, Stage 16: Getting Up to Speed

I did discovered that I have already used this title in this Giro d'Italia, but then I do the work long before I start using the computer to write this blog.  That doesn't mean the title isn't appropriate for a rider just starting out on their time trial run.  Chris Froome (Sky) has been having a bit of a yoyo Giro, but was hoping to use his superior skill against the clock to set matters to rights, again.  He was able to move himself back up the general classification with today's ride, but the overall has almost definitely slipped from his grasp.  He finished fifth on the stage which was enough to move him up to fourth overall.  However he is almost four minutes behind the maglia rosa.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166941-62-249297/PaintingGetting-Up-to-Speed-2--G18-67.html

Giro, Stage 16: "Vie, Vie, Vie!"

While most riders have a radio earpiece that connects them directly with their Director Sportif in the following vechiles, sometimes it is just too much fun to yell out the window.  Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli) had his mouth wide open trying to draw in enough air as his director yelled encouragement (or comdemnation) from the car behind.  Cattaneo finished the day in 16th place on the stage, but he was much higher on the stage when he was urged across the line by his teamcar.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3166938-61-249297/Painting

Giro, Stage 15: Pressing His Advantage

Again, I enjoy a good pun, or a title that leaves more than one interpretation about what is going on in the image.  Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) had the balls to attack when he did not need to on the final climb of stage 15.  The climb up to Sappada wasn't catagorized, but it was enough of an ascent to let the maglia rosa leave all of his competitors in the figurative dust.  Yates came to the line alone with time to pose for the dozens of press photographers huddled just across the finishing line.  Most often, we only see this moment from the cameras' point of view, so I appreciate the TV Moto staying with the shot long enough to afford us this glimpse into what a stage winner sees as he crosses the line.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Apparently, my website has decided not to let me load images today.  If you are interested in this painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.  All payments can be routed through PayPal for your security, and mine.

Giro, Stage 15: From the Front

As my wife said when I showed her this painting, "I am going to beat you."  Clearly this is Simon Yates' (Mitchelton-Scott) race to lose.  As the group of contenders had already swept up the remnants of the early break, they were poised to fight for stage honors on the Costalisso climb.  While riding on the front of the group containing Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana), Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida) and Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb), Yates simply road away from all of those sitting behind him on the general classification.  As he went, none were able to go with the attack.  None.  Dumoulin, still sitting second overall, now almost two minutes behind, is opening to have a brilliant time trial on Tuesday, if he is to have any chance of repeating his Giro victory from last year.  The rest are just hoping that Yates will crack on the next day of racing.  Many riders have a bad day after the final rest day in a grand tour.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Apparently, my website has decided not to let me load images today.  If you are interested in this painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.  All payments can be routed through PayPal for your security, and mine.

Giro, Stage 15: Choosing His Line

Nico Denz (Ag2r La Mondiale) gave a text book demsonstration of how to descend a mountain today.  His drop off of the Passo di Sant'Antoino opened up a sizable gap on his erstwhile break away companions.  However his speed down the mountain left him alone as he crossed the valley floot.  There was a great helicopter shot of the descent where you could see him about six turns ahead of the peloton as they all snaked their way down the mountain.  They may have been quite close together by the way the crow flies, but they were almost two minutes apart on the road.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Apparently, my website has decided not to let me load images today.  If you are interested in this painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.  All payments can be routed through PayPal for your security, and mine.

Giro, Stage 15: LIttle Help

As the break away group reached the top of the Passo Tre Croci, Nico Denz (Ag2r La Mondiale) reached out to a soigneur for Katusha-Alpecin to get a bidon.  Kindly, the soigneur obliged.  The teams, racers and team personnel spend a lot of time together traveling around the world during the season.  I am sure they all get to know one another, and realized they are all doing something very unique and extremely difficult.  There is considerably more displays of sportsmanship that meanness during a grand tour, than in almost any other athletic competition.  Along with Denz, his teammate Mikael Cherel, Dayer Quintana (Movistar) and Giulo Ciccone (Bardiani CSF) were hoping they would be in the break away that stayed clear to the end of the stage.  It didn't.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Apparently, my website has decided not to let me load images today.  If you are interested in this painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.  All payments can be routed through PayPal for your security, and mine.

Giro, Stage 15: Riding in the Rain

Nothing like a cold, wet day for a bike ride (or race in this case).  The peloton faces a number of catagorized climbs and some step ones that only showed on the profile today.  Joe Dombrowski (EF Education First) was one of his team that set a hard pace for most of the stage.  I, nor the commentators could quite figure out why they were riding so hard.  They even had a rider in the break up the road.  Spoiler alert, it didn't produce any discernable results.  Behind, the maglia rosa was being covered up by Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) as his teammates looked on.  Others close on the general classification like, Sergio Henao (Sky) and Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) were keeping a close eye on the young Brit in pink.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Apparently, my website has decided not to let me load images today.  If you are interested in this painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.  All payments can be routed through PayPal for your security, and mine.

Giro, Stage 14: A Redemptive Win

Chris Froome (Sky) redeamed his Giro atop Monte Zoncolan today.  After losing a few seconds on almost every of the preceeding thirteen stages, today he raised his arms in victory.  I don't think I have ever seen him more elated to take a stage then today.  His stage victory moved him from twelveth up to fifth place, although he is still over three and a half minutes adrift.  Just out of camera is the maglia rosa holding Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott).  He added time to his lead on everyone with the notable exception of Froome.  This should make for a great individual time trial in a couple of days time.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3165268-60-249297/PaintingA-Redemptive-Win--G18-60.html

This painting is sold!

Giro, Stage 14: Keeping It Close

I'm not quite sure what the pink pig costumes were about, but they did get this herd on screen.  As the peloton went under the flame rouge in ones and twos the tifosi went nuts.  This duo, fifth and sixth on the road, were Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) and Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ).  They had started the day second and third on GC, but after the day, Pinot slipped to fourth.  With Chris Froome's (Sky) ride, he now has the Brit just behind him.  Fortunately for the Frenchman, there is still two and a half minutes between them.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3165259-59-249297/PaintingKeeping-It-Close--G18-59.html

Giro, Stage 14: Clearing Some Space

Chris Froome (Sky) has been having a less than stellar Giro thus far.  Today he hit the final climb with something to prove.  With just under 4 kilometers left to the summit of Monte Zoncolan, he went off the front of the shredded peloton.  Behind, race marshals worked to clear space between each splinter group racing to make their mark on the GC.  Trying to hold the wheel of Froome is the Maglia Rosa of Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott).  Yates had over three minutes in hand on Froome, but others behind had more to worry about.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3165246-58-249297/PaintingClearing-Some-Space--G18-58.html