Tour, Stage 9: His First

It is hard to believe, but today was John Degenkolb's first Tour de France stage win.  I may need to verify that one.  Degenkolb, a pure sprinter, came to the line with two classics riders, more puncheurs than sprinters.  Even though he was forced to launch his sprint from the front, neither Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) nor Yves Lampaert (Quick Step) were coming around the powerful German.  Van Avermaet increased his lead to 45 seconds over Ian Stannard (Sky) and the rest of the GC men.  BMC at least still has a Maillot Jaune to celebrate after a very depressing stage for their team leaders.  Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) took out the sprint for fourth in the chasing group, thus further solidifying his lead in the Maillot Vert.

Tomorrow is a rest day.  While the peloton will be flying down to the Alps, I will be trying to catch up on some sleep and other domestic duties.  I will be back at it again on Tuesday.  I hope you will be back to see the first mountain stage paintings.  And I hope that you will take the time to go to my You Tube channel and become a subscriber.  I do need your support.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g?view_as=subscriber

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3187732-48-251072/PaintingHis-First--T18-48.html