The Art of Cycling: January 2025

Friday, January 24, 2025

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 4: A Sprinter's Line

It is a treat to watch a seasoned sprinter get it right. Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) looked to be too far back as both Ineos-Grenadiers and Groupama-FDJ led the peloton to have a chance at victory. As the lead outs started with 500 meters to go, the French sprinter pop out of the slipstream and charged to the line. Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain-Victorious) chased hard to take second despite Jhonatan Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates) complaining he had his sprint interfered with. He hadn't, he had just sprinted too close to the barriers. Laurence Pithie (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) sprinted to a respectable fourth in Victor Harbor.

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 work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"A Sprinter's Line TDU25-36" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 4: Covering the Moves

Javier Romo (Movistar) wasn't leaving anything to chance. He had a list of guys he wasn't going to let escape. He was covering most everything, but when Patrick Konrad (Lidl-Trek) went he made sure he was on the Austrian's wheel. Konrad started the day sitting in third overall, just ten seconds off of Romo's lead. They did finish the day in the same positions on the general classification. And they still had just ten seconds between them.

"Covering the Moves TDU25-35" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 4: Showing His Colors

It was nice to see Natnael Tesfazion (Movistar) pop out of the peloton as he went after the two guys up the road. I'm not sure how his move helped his team leader, Javier Romo, in the Ochre Jersey. It could have been just as simple as he wanted to make sure that the TV audience saw his Eritrean Champion's jersey. It has been fun watching so many Eritrean cyclists making an impact on the pro peloton over the last couple of years. Less than a kilometer later, he was back into the folds of the peloton, so it may well have been just a move to show off his national colors.

"Showing His Colors TDU25-34" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 4: Working as One

After the sprint, the four escapees got back to working together as they pushed out their advantage over the peloton. The group has just gone over the first categorized climb of the day, Parawa Hill, where they rolled through uncontested with Mauro Schmid (Jayco-Alula) on the front. The Swiss Champion was followed in turn by Giosue Epis (Arkea-B&B Hotels), Ide Schelling (XDS-Astana), and Taco Van Der Hoorn (Intermache-Wanty). With seventy kilometers left to go, their advantage of a bit over a minute didn't look super promising. But then, sitting in the peloton, they would have considerably less chance than being out here on the front.

"Working as One TDU25-33" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 4: A Swift Swiss

It was the Swiss Champion Mauro Schmid (Jayco-Alula) who jumped out of the breakaway to claim the first intermediate sprint in Snapper Point. William Junior Lecerf (Soudal-Quick Step) gave the champion a run for his money, but in the end wasn't able to come around Schmid. After the sprint, the break rejoined and got on with their likely vain effort to win the stage.

"A Swift Swiss TDU25-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: Not Only the Stage

With the title, you know that Javier Romo (Movistar) didn't just win the stage, but he also is the new Ochre Jersey in the Tour Down Under. He had started the day sitting in 99th place but had the belief to attack in the closing kilometers. Of course, he also had the legs to back up his faith in himself. He held off the peloton, winning the stage by five seconds. You can just see the rest of the reduced peloton just coming into view. Along with those seconds, he also got a ten second time bonus for winning the stage. He now has an eight second lead, but that is not much considering that the guy siding in 20th is just thirty seconds off the pace.

"Not Only the Stage TDU25-31" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: Did I Lose Them?

Javier Romo (Movistar) got a great jump on the peloton in the closing kilometers. Others tried to chase him down but just couldn't get themselves organized. Perhaps they didn't want to go too deep into their reserves assuming that Romo would be back in the fold soon and then they would have the energy to launch their own winning move. I feel the Romo must have been surprised to look back on this small rise to see open road when he glanced back with just four kilometers to race. After this rise, it is all downhill to the line in Uraidla, so he definitely has a chance for the stage victory.

"Did I Lose Them? TDU25-30" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: Surfing the Tail of the Peloton

I believe that Phil Liggett was getting genuinely upset with Luke Plapp (Jayco-Alula). Every time he appeared on camera on the back of the peloton Phil would talk about how unwise and potential unsafe it was. And he mused about how much extra energy it took for him to move up to the front when things got aggressive at the other pointy end of the peloton. It wasn't long after I painted this that the road went uphill, and Plapp moved right to the front of the peloton. I don't think the same could be said for Jesus Herrada (Cofidis). The veteran is a great climber, but I think he doesn't enjoy going downhill in a big group.

"Surfing the Tail of the Peloton TDU25-29" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: Getting More

After the first climb, Fergus Browning (ARA Australian Cycling) erstwhile companion dropped back to the peloton leaving the Polka Dot Jersey off on his own. As he started up the Knott Hill climb he was joined by Geoffrey Bouchard (Decathlon-Ag2r-La Mondiale). Happily, for Browning, he went over the climb first unchallenged by the Frenchman. It is still mathematically possible for someone to take the jersey off of the young Australian, but it is beginning to seem highly unlikely.

"Getting More TDU25-28" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: All But One

Stage 3 started climbing right after the flag drop to start the race. After a few attempts at a breakaway, Conor Swift (Ineos-Grenadiers) finally dropped everyone on his way up the Ashton climb. To his surprise, he was chased down by Fergus Browning (ARA Australian Cycling) in his Etex King of the Mountains jersey. He went over this climb first with little resistance from Swift. By going over this climb first, it means that he has been first over every climb but one thus far in the 25th Tour Down Under. It sure looks like no one will be able to take the polka dot jersey off this young Australian.

"All But One TDU25-27" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Bloodied & Victorious

Within the first two or three kilometers of the 128 kilometer stage, the Ochre Jersey, Sam Welsford (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) crashed tearing off about half of his racing shorts. It was feared that he wouldn't be able to stay with the peloton or perhaps hoped for by the other sprinters in the race. And it was opined that if he did stay there, he wouldn't have the legs to sprint for the stage victory. To their disappointment, Arne Marit (Intermache-Wanty), Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) and the rest of the peloton discovered just how wrong they were at the line in Tanunda. With his second stage win in as many stages, Welsford leads by fourteen seconds over Marit on the general classification. He also has twenty-two-point lead in the sprint competition. So far, he is having a great Tour Down Under, albeit a rather sore one.

"Bloodied & Victorious TDU25-26" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: One After Another

Once the early breakaway was back in the peloton, there were attacks caught and gone again over and over. None were able to stay away since the sprinters had decided this was another day for them to shine. After all, they had put a lot of effort into still being there after three climbs of Mengler Hill. Ide Schelling (XDS-Astana) started this move. He was joined by Pablo Torres (UAE Team Emirates), Bjorn Koerdt (Picnic-PostNL) and Alastair Mackeller (EF Education-EasyPost). Unfortunately for the Dutch rider, the others were there to prevent him from getting away on behalf of the sprinters on their respective teams. Moments after I painted this, the peloton was back on their wheels.

"One After Another TDU25-25" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Not Loving the Climb

It was a little strange to see the former winner of the Tour de France being dropped by the peloton on the final climb of Mengler Hill. To be fair, Geraint Thomas (Ineos-Grenadiers) had been driving the pace on the front of the peloton to keep his teammates well positioned before the turn onto the climb. Just ahead two riders, one from Alpecin-Decuninck and another from Intermache-Wanty were losing touch with the main peloton as well. According to Phil Liggett, Thomas finished dead last in the opening stage of the 25th Tour Down Under, as well.

"Not Loving the Climb TDU25-24" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Sprinting Shoulder to Shoulder

As the breakaway rolled into Greenok and the intermediate sprint, both Georg Zimmermann (Intermache-Wanty) and Patrick Konrad (Lidl-Trek) sprinted hard to the line. It looked like Zimmermann had it, but Konrad found a final kick to take the maximum bonus seconds. Having been allowed to get the maximum KOM points, Fergus Browning (ARA Australian Cycling) left the sprinting to his fellow escapees. When they came back around to the second intermediate sprint, the pair flipped their finishing positions. With their two first and second places the two moved themselves up to fourth and fifth in the overall general classification. Whereas Browning may have locked up the KOM competition after just two stages. Not a bad day out for the early breakaway today.

"Sprinting Shoulder to Shoulder TDU25-23" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Chasing More KOM Points

Fergus Browning (ARA Australian Cycling) sporting his King of the Mountians Polka Dot Jersey was out in the breakaway for the second day running. Not only did he claim the jersey in stage one, he was also awarded the red bib number of most aggressive rider on stage one. Kindly, the race organization awarded his breakaway companion and teammate Zacharie Marriage the same aggressive rider red bib, too. Today Browning was joined by Patrick Konrad (Lidl-Trek) and Georg Zimmermann (Intermache-Wanty). Do their credit, they didn't challenge Browning for the KOM points at the top of Mengler Hill either time the trio was off the front of the peloton.

"Chasing More KOM Points TDU25-22" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: A Clean Set of Wheels

Just because he was the expected favorite to take the stage didn't mean Sam Welsford (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) wasn't going to do what he does best. And he did it with a such an obvious advantage. With his victory, he becomes the first to wear the Ochre Jersey of race leader. He also is the owner of the Blue Jersey of the best sprinter. Moving into second in the sprint but not the general classification is Stephen Mathew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike). While Mathew Walls (Groupama-FDJ) took third in the sprint, yet he does sits behind Brennan in fifth. The two members of the early break away had earned enough bonus seconds to move into second and third.

"A Clean Set of Wheels TDU25-21-" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: The First King Down Under

The two guys from ARA Australian Cycling were still off the front of the peloton as they went over the final categorized climb of the stage. As they had every climb before, Fergus Browning led his teammate Zacharie Marriage over the summit collecting the maximum King of the Mountain points every time. By so doing, he becomes the first to wear the Polka Dot Jersey of this Tour Down Under. There is some symmetry with the women's TDU, with the first Queen of the Mountains going to a member of the women's ARA Australian Cycling Team. With another thirty kilometers to race and the peloton just over a minute behind, it is very doubtful that they will still be off the front much longer. Still, it was well worth the effort.

"The First King Down Under TDU25-20" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: Sprinting for One Second

With the breakaway having sucked up the first two places in the intermediate sprint in Birdwood, the peloton was sprinting for third place and a single bonus second. It looked like the French champion, Paul Lapiera (Decathlon-Ag2r-La Mondiale) was going to get the bonus, but it was Jhonathan Manuel Narvaez (UAE Team Emirates) who won the bunch sprint beautifully led out by his teammate Rui Oliveira. Lukas Lerurkar (EF Education-EasyPost) who vied for sprint honors, but just didn't quite have the legs.

"Sprinting for One Second TDU25-19" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: The First to Get Away

Zachaire Marriage (ARA Australian Cycling) and his teammate Fergus Browning, along with Bastien Tronchon (Decathlon-AG2R-La Mondiale) were the three to get away. As in the women's race, it was the Australian national team that was lighting up the race. The trio went through the first King of the Mountain climb without contesting the points on offer. As they crested the climb to Kangaroo Creek Reservoir, it was Browning who grabbed the most points towards the Polka Dot Jersey of the best climber in the race. It seems like Browning and Marriage had some sort of agreement about who would pull on the first KOM jersey. After the first sprint, which Tronchon claimed and the three second time bonus that came with it, the Frenchman fist bumped the Aussies and drifted back to the peloton who were three and a half minutes back down the road.

"The First to Get Away TDU25-18" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: Starting Them Off

After twelve kilometers of the neutral start usually set up to get the peloton safely out of downtown starts, the race director will pop out of the director's car and wave the flag to start each stage. Today, Stuart O'Grady started the 25th Tour Down Under with the wave of an ochre flag. All of the peloton was lined up ready to attack as soon as his vehicle pulled out of the way to let the race begin. O'Grady was a former racer who has raced the Tour Down Under five times winning numerous stages himself.

"Starting Them Off TDU25-17" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: Third Is Enough

It may not have been absolutely necessary, but finishing third in Stirling gave Noemi Ruegg (EF Education-Oatley) three extra bonus seconds ensuring her final victory of the 25th Women's Tour Down Under. Her nearest competitor, Silke Smulders (Liv-Alula-Jayco) was trying to sprint for the win on the stage, but came second. While that position gave her six bonus seconds and she managed to finish one second ahead of this sprinting trio, it still allowed Ruegg to win the race by thirteen seconds. Ruegg proved she could climb yesterday with the win on Willunga Hill, but she put up a fierce sprint to best Ruth Edwards (Human Powered Health) and Sarah Van Dam (Ceratizit) to get third on the day.

It was a great three days of racing! I'll be back in a couple of days to paint the six days of the men's Tour Down Under.

"Third Is Enough TDU25-16" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: A Sterling Sprint

I couldn't resist the pun for the title of this painting. First off, it was truly a sterling solo attack that carried Chloe Dygert (Canyon/SRAM-Zondacrypto) to the stage victory in Stirling. But I had to go for the play with the name of the town that the peloton began and ended the final stage of the 25th Women's Tour Down Under, Stirling. Dygert was chased by the woman sitting second in the general classification, Silke Smulders (Liv-Alula-Jayco), but showed a clean set of wheels by the time she crossed the line. Smulders was hoping to score enough bonus seconds and real seconds to take over the Ochre Jersey, but it didn't quite work out. She did pull within thirteen seconds of the Tour Down Under Victory but will have to content herself with second place.

"A Sterling Sprint TDU25-15" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: Once and Final Queen

Having lost her Queen of the Mountains Jersey in stage two when she was out sprinted by Dominika Wlodarczyk (UAE Team ADQ), Alyssa Polites (ARA Australian Cycling) made sure she had the legs to get over the Stirling Climb first. With that sprint, she has two points over the Polish Champion to claim the final polka dot jersey of this Tour Down Under. Wlodarczyk now changes her focus on trying move up one placing in the general classification to grab the final step of the final podium. Spoiler, she didn't make it.

"Once and Final Queen TDU25-14" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 3: One Has to Try

Ella Simpson (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93) was the next one to take on the death grip of the peloton. They seemed a bit less threatened by this Australian on the French team. Simpson built up almost two minutes before the peloton stormed into the intermediate sprint in Stirling. She did pull the gap back out a bit before things got serious behind. The peloton wasn't likely to repeat the mistake of the opening stage of this edition of the women's Tour Down Under.

"One Has to Try TDU25-13" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '24, Stage 3: Getting Something Started

With 77 kilometers left of the Women's Tour Down Under, Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) decided it was time to enliven the final stage. Her move was quickly covered by a rider from Canyon/SRAM, Marie Le Net (FDJ-Suez) and someone from UAE Team ADQ. A few others tacked onto their wheels as they escaped the clutches of the peloton. Like other escape attempts, this one was chased down. It was to risky to led Fisher-Black go given that she sits in ninth place at the start of the day.

"Getting Something Started TDU25-12" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Alone at the Top

While on the climb it seemed to me that Noemi Reugg (EF Education-Oatley) was about to be dropped any moment. She was pushing a big gear and looked to be using her shoulders to push her pedals over. But once an attack was made by Silke Smulders (Liv-Alula-Jayco) the Swiss Champion went on the offensive. She dropped the Dutch woman and went on to win atop Willunga Hill by ten seconds. Winning the stage moves out of her national champion's jersey and into the Ochre Jersey of race leader. She also now sits third in the Queen of the Mountains competition, and she leads the Sprint Points competition as well. Not a bad day out on the bike, at all.

"Alone at the Top TDU25-11" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: The Leading Four

As the peloton sped through Willunga at the base of the final climb, it was Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) who attacked first in hopes of climbing to the summit of Willunga Hill alone. However, she was soon caught by Neve Bradbury (Canyon/SRAM-Zondacrypto), the Swiss Champion Noemi Reugg (EF Education-Oatley) and Silke Smulders (Liv-Alula-Jayco). The foursome shadow boxed up the two and a half kilometer climb, letting those behind catch back up. Regardless of the delay, two of these women took the top to steps of the podium at the summit, all of them were in the top nine of the day.

"The Leading Four TDU25-10" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: We Can Do This!

Despite having only about two or three seconds on the chasing peloton, Ella Simpson (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93) yells encouragement to Sarah Van Dam (Ceratizit) in hopes that the two could slip away at the foot of the final climb of Willunga Hill. Naturally, the peloton and the overall contenders weren't going to let these two spoil their party. They were caught (and dropped) by the peloton mere moments after I painted this. With only seven kilometers until the end of the stage, there was no time for messing about.

"We Can Do This! TDU25-9" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Teaming Up

True to form for ARA Australian Cycling, they put a rider into the early break. It didn't work the first time for Alli Anderson, but rather than give up, she went again. She built up over a minute and a half lead on her own. With another 35 kilometers to race, Ally Wollaston (FDJ-Suez) bridged up to her wearing the blue Sprinter's Jersey. It may since for Wollaston to put in the effort to join Anderson now, there is an intermediate sprint just nine kilometers away in Willunga. Wollaston is wearing the sprinter's jersey on loan and was hoping to take the lead in the sprint competition today. Spoiler, it didn't quite work out for her today. But hey, there is always tomorrow.

"Teaming Up TDU25-8" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Who Do We Have Here?

With another 77 kilometers to race, 10 women escape the clutches of the peloton. As they built up a 21 second advantage, Marie Le Net (FDJ-Suez) dropped back along the line checking out who had managed to join in the effort. She found Rachel Barbieri (Picnic-PostNL) at the rear. The Italian was led in turn by Greta Marturano (UAE Team ADQ), Babette van der Wolf (EF Education-Oatley), Kristyna Burlova (Ceratizit) and Katia Ragusa (Human Powered Health) amongst some others. The group was hoping to get a head start for the two trips up Willunga Hill that awaits them in the last twenty kilometers of the stage. Footnote, it didn't work.

"Who Do We Have Here? TDU24-7" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 2: Points to Be Had

Today's stage started with a climb just ten kilometers in. As the peloton neared the top of Windy Point, Alyssa Polites (ARA Australian Cycling) jumped free chased by the Polish Champion Dominika Wlodarczyk (UAE Team ADQ). Unfortunately for Polites in her Polka Dot Jersey, Wlodarczyk was able to get around the young Australian to claim maximum points. Her effort allowed her to pull even in points with Polites. Later in the stage, the Polish Champion gained one more Queen of the Mountain points on the fabled Willunga Hill climb. So it was brief tenure in the mint polka dots for Polites as Wlodarczyk will trade in her national jersey for the Queen of the Mountains Jersey tomorrow.

"Points to Be Had TDU25-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Friday, January 17, 2025

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: Disorganized

Frustrated with the lack of help with the chase of the lone break away, Chloe Dygert (Canyon/SRAM-Zondacrypto) rode off the front of the peloton with less than five kilometers to race. She was chased by Anya Louw (AG Insurance-Soudal) amongst others. Regardless of the American's efforts, she (nor the rest of the peloton) caught Danieka Hengeveld who claims the first Ochre Jersey of the 2025 Tour Down Under.

"Disorganized TDU25-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: Rolling Adjustments

After getting both wheels changed, Megan Armitage (EF Education-Oatley) rode alongside her team car as the mechanic tried to make some further adjustments. As they speed along the roads on the way back down to Snapper's Point, her mechanic leaned dangerously out of the car working on her gearing. At one point, he snapped his hand back most likely having hit his knuckles in the spokes of her rear wheel. It seems that with both the wheel change and the time spent with the mechanic trying to make adjustments, it would have been better to just give her her repalcement bike to begin with.

"Rolling Adjustments TDU25-4" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: Another to Roll the Dice

Shortly after the peloton went over the only catagorized climb of Stage One of the Tour Down Under, it was Daniek Hengeveld (Ceratizit) who went off on a solo attack. At first, the peloton only gave her a few seconds so her effort looked to be in vain. However, they seemed to have underestimated her strength and resolve. At this point she has two minutes on the rest of the Tour. With another twenty-seven kilometers left to ride it was a bit of a roll of the dice whether this effort would pay dividends. Spoiler, the peloton never saw the Dutch woman again. Hengeveld will be starting stage two in the Ochre Jersey of race leader with about thirty seconds in hand.

"Another to Roll the Dice TDU25-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: The First Queen Down Under

Alyssa Polites (ARA Australian Cycling) was able to hold of the peloton as she began the climb up Heatherdale Hill and the first points in the Queen of the Mountains Competition. While the peloton chased hard behind, she was able to keep them at bay to claim the first Polka Dot Jersey of this edition of the women's Tour Down Under. Once over the top of the category one climb, she sat up and was quickly swallowed up by the peloton behind. No matter, she will start Stage 2 in one of the four leader's jerseys tomorrow.

"The First Queen Down Under TDU25-2" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Women's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: Leading the Way

Team ARA Australian Cycling Team can always be counted on to light up the Tour Down Under. It took a bit for the peloton to get remotely interested in racing, so it was Alyssa Polites (ARA) who went off the front before the first intermediate sprint of the day. I am sure she hoped to have some company but found herself on her own with another seventy kilometers left to race. It would be a tall order to hold off the entire peloton all of the way back to Aldiaga. However, there is the first sprint jersey and the first Queen of the Mountains jersey to be had should she not win the stage.

"Leading the Way TDU25-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Gullegem, Men's Cyclocross: Pulling Away

Not waiting until the final lap, Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) went to the front and started to push the pace. He managed to shake the Belgium Champion, Eli Iserbyt (Pawels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines). The two traded leads around the remaining lap and a half with Van Aert finally managing to take the lead for good in the closing 500 meters. This is the first cyclocross win for the three-time champion this season. It was some brilliant racing today, all of the way to the last sand pit.

"Pulling Away CX-G25-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Gullegem, Men's Cyclocross: Quite Close

For those who follow my cycling art, you will know that I love to use titles that have mutliple interpretations. This is just such a title, and painting. As in all road cycling events, fans of the sport can get very, very close to their cycling heros. In addition, the front four had gotten quite close together as they came out of one of the many hairpin turns on course. As they made their way around the third lap at Gullegem, it was Michael Vanthourenhout (Pawels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines) leading the Crelan-Corendon duo of Laurens Sweeck and Emil Verstrynge eating the mud flying off of his wheel. Closing back onto the trio's wheels is Wout Van Aerts (Visma-Lease a Bike). The now quartet of riders have built up about a five second lead over those chasing on the third lap.

"Quite Close CX-G25-4" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Gullegem, Men's Cyclocross: Mud And Sand

In the early going of Gullegem it was yesterday's winner, Laurens Sweeck (Ccrelan-Corendon) leading Wout Van Aerts (Visma-Lease a Bike) - who is racing his second cyclocross race of the season - off of the muddy track and onto the sole sand pit of the course. Behind the Belgium duo it was Felipe Orts Lloret (Ridley Racing Team) - the Spanish Champion - was just managing to hang on to the leaders. With another seven trips through the sand to go, it wasn't looking like Lloret would still be there at the end.

"Mud And Sand CX-G25-4" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Gullegem, Women's Cyclocross: Laying on the Power

In the final lap of Gullegem Superprestige series, it was Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) laying down a blistering pace in the mud to pull away from the rest of the field. By this point, she has put four seconds into her nearest competitor on her way to winning the race. With this win she moves into first place in the series with just one more race left to go. It was a photo finish between the former leader of the series, Ceylin del Carmen Avardo and the Brit, Zoe Backstedt. Chapeau!

"Laying on the Power CX-G24-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Gullegem, Women's Cyclocross: Almost On

After a bit of a struggle on the first lap in Gullegem, Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) was getting to catch back onto the leading trio. At this point on the second lap, she has both Leonie Brentveld (Pawels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines) and Zoe Backstedt (Canyon-SRAM) within her sight. Also there, but not visible at this angle is the woman leader her in the Superprestige series, Ceylin del Carmen Alvaredo (Fenix-Deceuninck). With such a slippery and muddy course, her Dutch Champion's jersey is clearly getting rather speckled in muck, just another exciting element of cyclocross.

"Almost On CX-G24-2" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Gullegem, Women's Cyclocross: Muck and Mire

Today's course in Gullegem was set up to be a muddy run through a meadow in Belgium. In the first of five laps, it was Zoe Backstedt (Canyon-SRAM) leading Ceylin del Carmen Alvardeo (Fenix-Deceuninck), Leonie Bentveld (Pawel Sauzen-Cibel Clementines), Aniek van Alphen (Cyclocross Reds) and the rest of the peloton through the longer mud field. Not a fan of sloshy muddy shows this just doesn't seem very pleasant to me. Still, mud, muck and mire seems to be the common denominator in all cyclocross events.

"Muck and Mire CX-G25-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Friday, January 3, 2025

Koksijde, Men's Cyclo-Cross: Chasing the Podium

Try as he might Toon Aerts (Deschacht-Hens-FSP) just wasn't able to bridge up to the two leaders today in the sands of Koksijde. On the up side, those chasing him were unsuccessful as well. Aerts claimed the final step of the podium in the cold wins and deep sand on the edge of Belgium and the North Sea.

"Chasing the Podium CX-K25-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)