The Art of Cycling: March 2022

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Gent-Wevelgem Women '22: Appearing When It Matters

All race long Elisa Balsamo (Trek-Segafredo) had been lurking around the back of the peloton allowing her teammates to chase down all of the attacks (it is their job since she is the team leader). Yet here she was showing herself just when being seen meant she was able to take out the victory in the eleventh edition of the women's Gent-Wevelgem. Just off camera it was last year's winner Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma) taking second, with Maria Giulia Confalonieri (Ceratizit-WNT) taking the last step of the podium. Perhaps because she kept going in all of the break away attempts, Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) had to settle for fouth on the day. Those waving the Belgium flag behind the mass sprint would have dearly prefered the Belgium champion to have one rather than the Italian in the World Champion's Rainbow Jersey.

This is the last of this race's paintings. I'll be back next week with both the men's and women's Ronde Van Vlaanderen. There will be more races after that with the big one being both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes this July.

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3875783-40-207546/Painting/appearing-when-it-matters-gw22-13.html

Gent-Wevelgem Women '22: I Shouldn't Have Looked

The theory is that if a sole break away rider looks back over their shoulder it means that they are starting to lose steam. As they look, they are either hoping that someone is coming to join them in the effort, or wondering if they have the legs to hold off the fast closing peloton. Unfortunately, it was the latter for Grace Brown (FDJ Nouvelle-Aquintaine Futuroscope). As she looked behind, she could see the all out efforts of Riejanne Markus (Jumbo-Visma) and the break away killer for the day, Ellen Van Dijk (Trek-Segafredo). All day whenever a group need to be pulled back for her team leader, it was Van Dijk that would hit the front of the chasing group. As soon as she did, that was the end of the chances of any group of escapees. Earlier she had been called back from a group of escapees just to bring her teammates back into contention. She did.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3875767-39-207546/Painting/i-shouldnt-have-looked-gw22-12.html

Gent-Wevelgem Women '22: Picking Her Pocket

I doubt Christine Majerus (SD Worx) was actually picking the pocket of her teammate Chantal Van Der Broeck-Blaak, but that is what it looked like. I think actually there was something flapping in the wind that hadn't gotten stuffed all of the way down. Ever conscience of wind drag Christine thought she might help out Chantal save a modicum of energy. Should it be a problem Chantal does have Rachel Neylan (Cofidis) as a witness to the "crime." This group was also saving their energy by hanging out at the back of the leading group with just another 24 kilometers to race. One can almost be sucked along by those breaking the wind at the front of the group, but if there is an attack you are SOL to get on terms. Majerus jersey is that of the Champion of Luxembourg. That's why the teammates' jersey don't match.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3875762-38-207546/Painting/picking-her-pocker-gw22-11.html

Gent-Wevelgem Women '22: Way Over the Top

When I created this title I thought I was being very clever, now as I write this I don't know what I was thinking. Perhaps I was referring to the crowds yelling as Grace Brown (FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Furturoscope) tossed her bottle into the fans at the top of the Kimmelberg. Or it could be the long line of soigneurs reaching to hand bottles to their riders. But then most likely, it was that Grace Brown went over the top of the climb with a gap on the chasing peloton, and that is clearly the way she wanted to go over the top... get it?

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3875743-37-207546/Painting/way-over-the-top-gw22-10.html

Gent-Wevelgem Women '22: Are We Waiting?

These leading four women had build up about 15 seconds on the peloton, but were debating whether they should way for three more trying to get on to their wheels. Liane Lippert (DSM) looked back to see just how close the chasers were as Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon SRAM) took a swig from her waterbottle. They, along with Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) and Anna Henderson (Jumbo-Visma), decided it would be best to wait for three more in hopes of strengthening their chances of staying off the front. Alas, it was the wrong decision. Their delay was enough to give hope to the Trek-Segafredo lead chase from the peloton.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3875657-36-207546/Painting/are-we-waiting-gw22-9.html

Gent-Wevelgem Women '22: A Slim Advantage

With another 55 kilometers to race, Annad Henderson (Jumbo-Visma), Lotte Kepecky (SD Worx) and Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon SRAM) were building a very slim lead on the chasing peloton. They had built up a gap of just six seconds. Not much of an advantage, nor was it enough to keep others from bridging across to the four leaders.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3875654-35-207546/Painting/a-slim-advantage-gw22-8.html

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: A Moment of History

It feels like a long time coming, but it was just that much more of a special edition of Gent-Wevelgem when a Black African cyclist raised his arms in victory. It was a first in the cobbled classics of Europe, but most certainly not the last. Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) launched a long sprint from the back of the group and had enough in the legs after 249 kilometers to hold off Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma) along with Dries Van Gestel (TotalEnerties) taking third, and Jasper Stuyven finishing fourth in a historical sprint in Wevelgem. Now he goes home to his family (and a hero's welcome) in Eritrea. Don't worry, he will be back in Europe for the start of the Giro d'Italia. I, however, will not be painting that race as I may actually be able to go back to work by then.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3875469-477-195767/Painting/a-moment-of-history-gw22-7.html

Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: Under the Red Kite

It has always been a bit difficult to get a good image of the front of the race as the enter the final kilometer of any race. Today, I think I found a way to show just what happens as the leaders go pass the banner adorned with the red triangle signifying the final kilometer of the day's racing. As you may notice, Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma) is looking back over his shoulder as he prepares to attempt to leave Dreis Van Gestel (TotalEnergies), Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo), and Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) behind. With just twenty seconds over the peloton and even less to the one rider trying to come across, they couldn't really afford to start attacking each other. And yet they did start to play "cat and mouse" each trying to get the jump on the other in hopes of being the one to raise their arms in victory in just a thousand meters.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3875466-476-195767/Painting/under-the-red-kite-gw22-6.html

Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: Building Their Gap

It was a strong foursome that got away from the vastly reduced peloton on the road back into Wevelgem. Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) was sharing equal pulls with Dries Van Gestel (TotalEnergies), Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma) and Jasper Stuyvens (Trek-Segafredo). They had the perfect position. Each had teammates behind that were capable of taking out the sprint in the group behind should they be caught, or they were going to have the legs to race for victory in their own right. With a 34 second lead and only another thirteen kilometers to race, it was looking like the winner was going to come out of these four guys.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3875465-475-195767/Painting/building-their-gap-gw22-5.html

Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: Around the Corner

There are a couple of different ways to consider the title of this painting. First way to consider the title is that the top of the Barenberg was just around the corner. Another way is to consider the title is that the peloton was just out of sight behind the corner that Tiesj Benoot (Jumbo-Visma) and Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) were climbing. It was a treat to see so many cycling fans lining the roads again. I'm not ready to be out there in crowds yet, but that doesn't mean I wish I could have been on the side of the road as these guys went by.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3875464-474-195767/Painting/around-the-corner-gw22-4.html

Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: Just How Serious?

As Arjen Livyns (Bingoal Pausells Sauces) hit the base of the Kimmelberg for the second time, the questions was, "Just how serious of an attack is this?" With 52 kilometers to race it was unlikely he was going to be able to hold off an entire peloton looking to win the 84th running of Gent-Wevelgem. Spoiler. Livyns' time off the front only lasted as long as the road to the tip of the Kimmelberg. The favorites were all using the short steeped cobbled hill to launch their own moves for victory. The race will come back around for one more climb of this marquee climb of the Flanderian race calender.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3875463-473-195767/Painting/just-how-serious-gw22-3.html

Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: Checking Their Progress

With the early break away safely tucked back into the peloton, it was time for others to try their hand (or wheels) at getting away from the peloton. Both Greg Van Avermaet (Ag2r-Citroen) and Olivier Le Gac (Jumbo-Visma) look back over their shoulders to see how much of a gap they were opening up on the chasing peloton. While that information might have pleased them, the fact that they had another 18 riders with them may have been a bit discouraging. It was nice to see Van Avermaet back on the front of a race again, although I do miss his golden helmet from when he was the reigning Olympic road racing champion.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3875462-472-195767/Painting/checking-their-progress-gw22-2.html

Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: Coming, Or What?

Most every time the camera cut to the early break away, Johan Jacobs (Movistar) was gapping his break away companions. As the group road onto the cobbles as the exited Leisele he looked back to see were Jelle Wallays (Cofidis), Lars Saugstad (Uno-X) and Alexander Konychev (BikeExchange-Jayco), or perhaps he was just enjoying the early spring vistas. I say they were riding onto the cobbles, but all of them had slipped over to the much smoother bike path, rather than jarring their teeth on the cobbles to there left. It is a rare thing when the bike bath is the better road surface in my riding experience.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3875461-471-195767/Painting/coming-or-what-gw22-1.html

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Milano Sanremo: Willing to Lose, Managing to Win

I have heard a saying in cycling, "You have to be willing to lose in order to win." Today's bold move by Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Victorious) was prove of that adage. Mohoric went all in on his one shot to drop the peloton. And his descent down the Poggio was a frightening thing to watch. He was brushing the walls on nearly every turn trying to keep his speed up. It seemed as though he might crash at every turn, but that kind of effort was what it was going to take to hold off those trying to get back on terms with the Slovenian champion. As they came into the finishing straight on the Via Roma, it looked like Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) might just catch the wheel of the bold Mohoric. Yet it was Mohoric who beat his chest and pointed to his team's name on his jersey as Turgis pounded on his handlebars in frustration of missing out on victory. The French sprinter had gotten clear of some of the early favorites who were just behind him including Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix), Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma), and Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo). Pedersen was my prediction for victory today, but that shows why I am not a betting man.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873555-470-195767/Painting/willing-to-lose-managing-to-win-ms22-7.html

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Milano Sanremo: Using the Descent

After multiple attacks from the those expected to vie for the win on the Via Roma in Sanremo on the way up the Poggio di Sanremo the peloton crested the climb all together. So that is when Matej Mohoric (Bahrain-Victorious) launched the surprise move that seemingly no one expected. Everyone thought it would be about the climb of the Poggio, but instead the Slovenian champion proved it was more about the descent of that fabled climb. He quickly opened a gap while those behind looked to each other to take up the chase. If they didn't decide to work together, it was clear that their chance of winning was going up the road.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873554-469-195767/Painting/using-the-descent-ms22-6.html

Milano Sanremo: On the Final Climb

Having watch Paris Nice this scene felt all too familiar. Here was the peloton with Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma) was driving the pace up the Poggia de Sanremo in hopes his team leader, Wout Van Aert would be able to get away from the field behind. Instead it was Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) that was the first to attack as his teammate Diego Ulissi finished his turn driving the pace. At first it was just Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos-Grenadiers) who could go with the two time winner of the Tour de France. However, this attack, and the next two were pulled back by Wout Van Aert and the rest of the peloton. It was beginning to look like it was going to be a small bunch sprint of the elites of the peloton sprinting for victory on the Via Roma.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873552-468-195767/Painting/on-the-final-climb-ms22-5.html

Milano Sanremo: Chasing Back

Milano Sanremo is hard enough, clearly no one needs any bad look added on top of the kilometes and final climbs. But that is exactly what befell fan favorite Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies). Within sight of the Capo Cipressa, Sagan had a problem with his gearing and needed a quick bike change. While the swap went well, it meant that he was chasing back through those dropping off of the back of the peloton as the favorites were on the attack further up the climb. Sagan could comfort himself knowing that he was catching up the peloton as others, like Elia Viviani (Ineos-Grenadiers), were dropping away.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873550-467-195767/Painting/chasing-back-ms22-4.html

Milano Sanremo: Cramped Up, Cramped Out

Having lost the wheels of his erstwhile break away companions near the top of the Capo Berta, Filippo Conca (Lotto Soudal) had pushed deep to catch back on. Perhaps he went too deep. As he rode along the bottom of the climb he suddenly shoot out his leg as straight as possible. The next thing we knew he was grimacing in pain and rubbing out his legs as he came to a stop. I felt the need to paint this moment having had a similar experience on century rides all too often. Conca had cramped terribly after being off the front in a break away for over 250 kilometers thus far. As he stretched his leg out, he soon fell to the ground in pain. It looked like his day of racing was done, but that would be assuming he wasn't determined. Surprisingly, he got back on his bike moments after I painted this. He would have been caught by the peloton not long after, but I didn't see him for the rest of the day. Still, particualry for an Italian it is very important to finish a race on his home soil. I can relate, I have finished every century I have started, leg cramps or not.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873549-466-195767/Painting/cramped-up-cramped-out-ms22-3.html

Milano Sanremo: A Beautiful Ride

Watching today's running of Milano-Sanremo, all I could think was just how much I wanted to ride these roads - preferably on closed roads as being "enjoyed" by the break away. I image that during the summer these roads are packed with tourists, day trippers, and giant tour buses taking in the views just as I would love to. This break was still holding a good lead with 90 kilometers to race. The break was comprised of Yevgeniy Gidich, Artyom Zakharov (Astana Qazaqstan), Alessandro Tonelli (Bardiani-CSF-Faizane), Filippo Tagliani, Ricardo Alejandro Zurita (Drone Hopper-Androni Giocattoli), Sameule Rivi, Digo Pablo Sevilla (EOLO-Kometa) and Flippo Conca (Lotto Soudal). I doubt they had much time to enjoy the scenery despite spending over seven hours racing up the Mediterranean coast on their way towards the French border.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873548-465-195767/Painting/a-beautiful-ride-ms22-2.html

Milano-Sanremo: From the Outset

Milano-Sanremo is the longest of all of the Spring Classics, in fact of all of the one day races on the pro calender. This group of eight had gotten away at the very start of the race. As they made this turn, Samuele Rivi (EOLO-Kometa), Filippo Tagliani (Drone Hopper-Androni Giocattoli), Artyom Zakharov (Astana Qazaqstan), and Alessandro Tonelli (Bardiani-CSF-Faizane) had been off the front of the peloton for 189 kilometers. With another 104 to go they had a sizeable gap of seven minutes on those behind. With so much yet to go it did seem unlikely that they would be able to stay away, but it was well worth the effort to give it a try.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3873547-464-195767/Painting/from-the-outset-ms22-1.html

Monday, March 14, 2022

Paris Nice 2022: Winning the Stage But Not the Race

Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco) had done all he could in the final kilometers to pull out an upset in Paris Nice today. He had built up a gap at the summit of the Col d'Eze that might allow him to move into the lead with the ten second time bonus of a stage victory. Alas, the Maillot Jaune had a teammate with him to help chase back the Brit on the Australian team. As Yates celebrated his stage victory he looked back to see the Jumbo-Visma duo of Wout Van Aert and Primoz Roglic just coming into view on the Avenue des Anglais at the line in Nice. Yates had done enough to win a stage, but couldn't pull off the race win due mainly to the efforts of Wout Van Aert in support of his team leader Primoz Roglic. Still, nothing to hang his head about and it sure made for an exciting finale.

I'll be back painting some more of the one day classics in the coming weeks so be sure to check back in soon.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3872122-82-272742/Painting/winning-the-stage-but-not-the-race-pn22-45.html

Paris Nice 2022: Together They Should Save Yellow

Admittedly this image belies what is happening in the chase to keep the Maillot Jaune. Simon Yates (BikeExchange) had gotten free on the final climb endangering the race lead of Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma). Clearly, Roglic was 'on the rivot' on the climb trying to stay on the wheel of his teammate, Wout Van Aert, in the Maillot Vert. Several times on the climb, Van Aert had to wait for his team leader. On the way down he had recovered enough to give his loyal lieutenant a bit of a rest as they worked together to pull back the Brit on the Austrailian team. At this point, they were close enough to ensure that the Maillot Jaune would stay on the shoulders of Roglic, but I think the next goal was to set up Wout Van Aert for a stage victory (other than the time trial stage earlier in the week). They didn't quite achieve that goal, but Roglic with the help of Van Aert did enough to win Paris Nice.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3872118-81-272742/Painting/together-they-should-save-yellow-pn22-44.html

Paris Nice 2022: Doing What Must Be Done

Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco) had covered the move by Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) that had dropped the race leader Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and his teammate, Wout Van Aert. Yates kept going and dropped the Colombian climb as well. Now he was off on his own with a twenty second lead as he crested the final climb of Paris Nice. He would need to open up a thrity five second gap and hope that Roglic didn't get any of the bonus seconds on offer at the finish line if he was to take out the final Maillot Jaune. Two years ago, he had lost the lead in Paris Nice on the final day, so there was some poetic justice to be had if he could take the lead on the final day today. He was certainly doing what he had to do to bring that about.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3872114-80-272742/Painting/doing-what-must-be-done-pn22-43.html

Paris Nice 2022: It's Up to You

At the steepest section of the final climb of Paris Nice, the Col d'Exe, it was Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) who was the first to attack. It was just the Jumbo-Visma duo of Primoz Roglic and Wout Van Aert along with the Brit Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco) left with the Colombian climber. It seems that the Jumbo-Visma riders were looking at Simon Yates to see if he would chase down this attack. It was looking like they might be on their limit. But then Roglic has almost two minutes on Quintana, so he didn't really have to chase, but Yates was not as far ahead of the Arkea-Samsic leader. I honestly think that Yates was sizing up Roglic to see if he could drop the Slovenian in the Maillot Jaune on the way up the Col d'Eze.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3872112-79-272742/Painting/its-up-to-you-pn22-42.html

Paris Nice 2022: Bad Timing

Sitting in third overall just a few seconds out of second place and barely a minute off the lead, Daniel Felipe Matinez (Ineos-Grenadiers) was sitting pretty in the elite group off the front of the very diminished peloton. Unfortunately at the bottom of the penultimate climb of Paris Nice he had a flat tire. With no team cars around, he got a rear wheel change from the Shimano neutral service vehicle that was just behind the quintet leading the stage and the race. It was a quick change, but it left him unable to vie for stage honors or any hopes for moving up the general classification. He rode hard enough that the poorly timed puncture didn't knock him off the podium of Paris Nice as he ended the race third overall.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3872111-78-272742/Painting/bad-timing-pn22-41.html

Paris Nice 2022: A Very Select Group

It has been a very hard Paris Nice and the final stage was no different. On the penultimate climb up the Cote de Peille this very select group got off the front containing first, second, third and fifth on the general classification. The odd man out was Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) in the Maillot Vert. He was there to aid his team leader in the Maillot Jaune, Primoz Roglic. The quintet was rounded out by Daniel Felipe Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers), Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic), and Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco). It seems that they were all able to stay with each other on this climb, but there is still the Col d'Eze.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3872081-77-272742/Painting/a-very-select-group-pn22-40.html

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Paris Nice 2022: Looking for the Sun

The nickname of Paris Nice is the 'race to the sun' but I don't think that moniker fits this the 80th edition of the race. Today's race was wet and cold just like the Queen stage yesterday. Sickness has also plaqued the peloton this year, although not a positive Covid test in the bunch. It seems we still have the old fashion flu to deal with too. That is why Gabio Felline (Astana Qazaqstan) was the last member of his team to still be in the race, and that isn't the only team left with just one man still competing. Felline was enjoying the benefit of Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) working hard to bring his team leader, Pierre Latour, back to front of the race after a poorly time flat tire.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3872080-76-272742/Painting/looking-for-the-sun-pn22-39.html

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Paris Nice 2022: The Best Defense

Sometimes the best way to defend oneself from attacks is to launch one yourself (this does not apply to current tensions in eastern Europe). That is exactly what Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) did. He went hard with a couple of hundred meters left to race opening up space between himself an his rivals. Daniel Felipe Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers) was able to stay on his wheel, but unable to come around the Maillot Jaune. Martinez's ride moved him in to third overall. He is now just thirteen seconds behind Simon Yates (BikeExhange-Jayco) who was third on the stage, but sits in second in the general classification. Yet, with the time bonus for winning the stage and the small gaps, Roglic stretched his leaded out to 47 seconds and one minute respectively. All Roglic has to do is not crash out tomorrow like he did in the Dauphine last year while in Yellow.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871900-75-272742/Painting/the-best-defense-pn22-38.html

Paris Nice 2022: Trading Punches

This foursome seemed to be very equally matched. Each time one would go on the attack the others would catch back on. Some took a little longer than others, but yet thus far they kept coming back together. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) dropped back to the back where he could keep a close eye on each person who went on a runner and then decide if he needed to chase. Just in front of him is Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco) who is only 39 seconds back on GC. But it looks like Daniel Felipe Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers), who started the day almost a minute behind the Maillot Jaune, is giving it another go. With these three is Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) who has gotten himself closer since his poor showing in the time trial, now just over a minute and a half off the pace. With just a kilometer left to race, it is going to take a heroic attack combined with a complete collapse to bring about any substantial reordering of the general classification. Stanger things have happened, and they have happened in this 80th edition of the race to the sun, Paris Nice.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871898-74-272742/Painting/trading-punches-pn22-37.html

Paris Nice 2022: In Control

I imagine that Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) was tired of being attacked repeatitively on the climb up the Col de Turini, so he went off on his own. When he went everyone tried to go with him but only the Colombian, Daniel Felipe Martinez (Ineos-Grenadiers) was able to hold onto the Slovenian's wheel. With six kilometers left to climb, this could be the order that finishes the day. Although I am sure those just behind will try and have something to say about that.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871891-73-272742/Painting/in-control-pn22-36.html

Paris Nice 2022: Tete de La Course

Just two and a half kilometers ago it looked like Gregor Muhlberger's (Movistar) day was over. But here he is off the front with just the race director's and Shimano's Neutral Support cars for company. He only has about 34 seconds on the elite group of GC contenders behind him so it seems unlikely that he will stay away. However, if the GC guys are on the limit and simply ride together to the finish he has a little bit of hope. I can't see that happening though. Roglic may have a substantial lead on the rest of the field but the rest of the podium is very close together on time.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871886-72-272742/Painting/tete-de-la-course-pn22-35.html

Paris Nice 2022: Hardly a Sprint

I don't know which sadist decided that it would be fun to have the second intermediate just eleven kilometers away from the end of a mountain top finish. This point in La Bollene Vesubie is seven kilometers into the measure portion of the climb of the Col de Turini, but these tattered remnants of the twenty man break away didn't really factor into either the Green Jersey Points nor the bonus seconds. Given the way Gregor Muhlberger (Movistar) is tailing off of the wheels of Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) and Franck Bonamour (B&B Hotels-KTM) it may well be just two men left in the break very shortly.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871881-71-272742/Painting/hardly-a-sprint-pn22-34.html

Paris Nice 2022: Teasing Each Other

Michael Morkov (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) had been up the road in the original 20 man break away at the start of the climb of the Col de Turini - although the measured climb had yet to start. As he dropped off the pass and was caught by the peloton he made a very Italian looking gesture to Luke Rowe (Ineos-Grenadiers). Morkov was pretending to be offended that his friend and oft times companion in the groupetto had chased him down. It brought a big smile to Rowe's face and to that of Rowe's teammate the Spanish Champion Omar Fraille. Given the effort that was going into the pace of the peloton, I'm sure a little levity was much appreciated.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871880-70-272742/Painting/teasing-each-other-pn22-33.html

Paris Nice 2022: Passing Out Drinks

Today is realistically the last day for Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) and his team to put a dent in the time he lost in the individual time trial. So he had one of his guys on the front of the peloton sharing the work of chasing down the break and the rest of his teammates making sure he was in good shape for the final climb to come. Matis Lovel had grabbed a bottle from a team soigneur along the side of the road and then dropped back through the peloton to hand it over to Quintana. Behind the Arkea Samsic pair another teammate, Simon Guglielmi looked on ready to swap a wheel or do whatever may be necessary to keep their man in contention.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871872-69-272742/Painting/passing-out-drinks-pn22-32.html

Paris Nice 2022: With Inches to Spare

I can't tell you how many times I have watched the hearts of break away riders broken within sight of the finish line. The usual occurance is the peloton makes the catch in the last couple of hundred meters. As Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) neared the line pushing as hard as he possibly could it looked like he was standing still compared to the peloton behind. It was a full on full speed sprint behind being lead by Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo). On the Dane's wheel was the Maillot Vert of Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) with Biniam Girmay (Intermache-WantyGobert-Materiaux) and Bryan Coquard (Cofidis). It is such a treat to see that daring escapee actually manage to keep just far enough of the front to win the stage. To give you an idea just how close it was, the stats for the day showed Burgaudeau finishing at the same time as the sprinters behind him.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871775-68-272742/Painting/with-inches-to-spare-pn22-31.html

Paris Nice 2022: He's Still Away

After previous riders trying, it looks like Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) attempt was going to stick. Inside of two kilometers to race on the streets of Aubagne the Frenchman on a French team had about ten seconds on the fast closing peloton. It seems unlikely that the sprinters were going to let him stay away this being their last chance to win a stage in this year's Paris Nice. Bob Roll first said he was sure he would make it and then by now was sure he would be caught within sight of the line.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871774-67-272742/Painting/hes-still-away-pn22-30.html

Paris Nice 2022: Still Trying

During Stage three of Paris Nice Soren Kragh Andersen (DSM) had tried twice to escape the peloton towards the end of the stage. Today on the descent of the Col de l'Expigoulier he rode off the front of the Trek-Segafredo controled peloton. Trek-Segafredo was doing the work to set up their sprinter, Mads Pederesen. He has won one stage already, and today look like a strong candidate for another one for the former world champion.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871728-66-272742/Painting/still-trying-pn22-29.html

Paris Nice 2022: Winding Their Way Up

For a while I had a silly rule of not using the helicopter shots to create paintings from. Silly rule I know. Many watch bike racing just to see the beautiful scenery, I love both the racing and the view. There was an early break, but the peloton was seeing this stage as a change for the sprinters who could also climb. With that in mind, the break didn't have much of a lead and the peloton stayed together on the final climb up the Col de l'Espigoulier. I just love the biomorphic snake like quality of the peloton as seen from above.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871720-65-272742/Painting/winding-their-way-up-pn22-28.html