Tour de France 23, Stage 21: Non-Traditional

This has been a very non-traditional Tour in many ways and today continued that pattern with the attack of Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates).  He managed to lose the shadow of Nathan Van Hooydnock (Jumbo-Visma).  He was now joined by Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost).  Since they didn't have the Yellow Jersey on their team, they were willing to work with him in hopes of getting to the finish line before the peloton laced with sprinters.  At this point they still had thirty six kilometers to race, but their advantage had now dropped to six seconds.  Soon everything would be back to normal, but we would all remember the Tadej Pogacar was a very competitive bike racer, and a bit of a cheeky one, too.

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3967238-147-297438/Painting/non-traditional-tdf23-142.html

 

Tour de France 23, Stage 9: A Bit of a Discussion

With the early break away looking like it might have a chance of getting to contest the stage victory, Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) jumped out of the peloton in an effort to bridge across the the leaders.  His attempt to cross the two minutes was covered by Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost).  Bettiol has a teammate in the break so was disinclined to help Skjelmose's chagrin.  The Danish champion did look back and question why the Italian on the American team wasn't helping in the effort.  An exchange of words on the lines of :

"Why don't you help?"

"My teammate is up there."

"Then why are you here with me?"

Shrug

The pair never got up, and were soon back in the folds of the peloton.

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3964555-48-297438/Painting/a-bit-of-a-discussion-tdf23-48.html

Tour Down Under '23, Stage 1: All About Seconds

 Once the peloton had caught the lone rider up the road, all of the bonus seconds were on offer at the second intermediate sprint as they rode through Tanunda.  Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla) managed to take a second second place taking four seconds off is total time thus far.  Corbin Strong (Israel-Premier Tech) took first.  Ethan Hayter (Ineos-Grenadiers) looked to his left and sat up knowing he had been beaten, but that allowed Matthews to just get pass him to claim second.  Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) tried to prevent either Hayter or Matthews from gaining any time on him, but just missed out on the bonus seconds coming in fourth.  Now he has to hop that Matthews doesn't win the stage.  Should he do so, then it will be Matthews in the Ochre Jersey of race leader tomorrow.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3928004-153-194179/Painting/all-about-seconds-tdu23-7.html

Tour Down Under '23: Checking His Own Time

Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) had the foresight to go early in the opening prologue of the Tour Down Under.  With rain in the forecast, he chose an early start.  While not knowing what times he needed to beat, he did have the advantage of dry roads on the short five and a half kilometer individual time trial.  That advantage proved to be the winning edge for the Italian.  He will go into the first road stage of the return of the Tour Down Under since the start of the Covid pandemic, wearing the Ochre Jersey of race leader.  He has an eight second lead over the American Magnus Sheffield and up to forty seconds over most of his main rivals.  In a tour that is usually decided by less than ten seconds, he may have won the race before the first road stage.  However, there are three hill top finishes this year.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3927865-147-194179/Painting/checking-his-own-time-tdu23-1.html

Tour '22, Stage 10: Who's This?

Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) looked back to find someone bridging across to him.  He had spent 26 kilometers off the front until this moment.  I wonder if he was relieved or frustrated to see Georg Zimmermann (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) tacking on to his wheel.  However, both were soon joined by a total of six others as the final kilometers of the climb and stage ticked by.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3893277-57-294403/Painting/whos-this-tdf22-57.html

Tour '22, Stage 10: Free Speech Has a Price

It is not too uncommon for protesters to use the stage of the Tour de France to get their message out to the world.  Conversely, French TV does its best not to film the protest but this was a bit of what made it to air.  The group Derniere Renovation chained themselves together across the road blocking the Tour route with 36 kilometers to go.  Their goal was to call attention to the need to address climate change.  They successfully stop the race for about 12 minutes as officals and Gendarme dragged the entwined group from the road.  Once the race resumed, each group of riders started of with the same gaps that they had when the protest started.  While none of the riders were hurt, and I assume/hope none of the protesters were either, the unexpected long delay after racing full out had to play havoc on the muscles, heart rates and psyche of the peloton.  But hey, it may for a beautiful (and I think) wonderful painting.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3893266-55-294403/Painting/free-speech-has-a-price-tdf22-55.html

Tour '22, Stage 10: One Biker to Another

One of the downside of painting live, not knowing what is about to happen, is I can form a very incorrect opinion of what is going on in what I choose to paint.  This is just such a case.  I was intriqued that Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) has suddenly pulled the pin on his solo effort of the front of the large break away.  He had built up a 20 second gap on those behind when he suddenly slowed up and joined in a conversation with one of the race motos.  In the next post you will discover what the problem was. But for now, you can be just as curious about what is going on as I was when I painted this.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3893261-54-294403/Painting/one-biker-to-another-tdf22-54.html

Tour '22, Stage 8: Went Right, Went Left, Went First

The title describes just how amazing Wout Van Aert's (Jumbo-Visma) sprint was to win atop the final climb of Stage 8.  He started in the middle but got pushed to the left.  Then he was boxed in against the barriers, so he slowed and tried to go to the right.  Yet again, he was shut down, but then the middle opened and away he went.  Michael Mathews (BikeExchange-Jayco), who had been the first to reroute Van Aert, took his second second place of this Tour.  It was the Maillot Jaune of Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates), who had started the sprint, finishing third.  That third place gave him a four second bonus, so despite most of the GC guys finishing at the same time, he still gained another four seconds on his rivals. Behind to podium you can just make out Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) and Bengamin Thomas (Cofidis) finishing fifth and seventh respectively.  Can that jersey be taken off of his shoulders before Paris?

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3892804-45-294403/Painting/went-right-went-left-went-first-tdf22-45.html

Tour '22, Stage 5: Sensing His Moment

With many having troubles with the cobbles, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) knew he had a chance to gain time on the lion share of his rivals.  On Sector 5 he went to the front a raise the pace.  On his wheel was Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) helping in the chase, for some unknown reason.  After the stage, it was argued that his efforts in this chase cost his teammate, Neilson Powless the Maillot Jaune. But I am not sure that is accurate because Van Aert finished just over a minute behind the stage winners and he didn't join this group until the very end of the stage.  It is Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) on the Italian's wheel making sure his team leader will finish the stage close the the Maillot a Blanc of Pogacar.

Watch this painting come together in real time as I talk about my reasons for painting it, what it measn for this Tour de France, and techniques of watercolor painting.

Consider subscribing to my channel so you don't miss any of the Tour Tutorials.  Plus be sure to give this video a thumbs up and leave me a comment about what you think of the artwork and/or the video.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3892407-25-294403/Painting/sensing-his-moment-tdf22-25.html

Tour '22, Stage 2: Forced to Chase

A minor crash at the start of the 18 kilometer bridge forced most of EF Education-EasyPost to drop back to help get Rigoberto Uran back into the peloton.  Basically, Owain Doull and Alberto Bettiol chased the entire span of the bridge in hopes of getting their team leader back on.  It wasn't until their time trial specialist, Stefan Bissenger, drop back that they were able to rejoin the peloton at the base of the bridge.  Sadly, it was just in time to get caught up in another crash, but at least that was inside the final three kilometers so they all got the same time as the stage winner.  Marijn Tusveld (DSM) was one of many that were able to take advantage of the pink chase to rejoin as well.

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 $90 USD including shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3891739-9-294403/Painting/forced-to-chase-tdf22-9.html

Ronde Van Vlaanderen Men '22: Kicking It Off

Yes the race had already covered 178 kilometers but it wasn't until Ivan Garcia Cortina (Movistar) attacked the peloton that the race really kicked off.  Mick Van Dijke (Jumbo-Visma) had just swung off from his turn on the front when Ivan decided it was time to attack the favorites in this group.  Perhaps he was hoping to catch the others napping since another 88 kilometers to race was a bit early to go off on a lone effort.  Behind the Spaniard's wheel Olivier Le Gac (Groupama-FDJ) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) were able to cover the move.  Others were not so lucky thus the first selection of Ronde Van Vlaanderen was made.

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/Spring-Classics-/3876937-478-195767/Painting/kicking-it-off-rvv22-1.html

Gent-Wevelgem, The Best Sprint

 It turned out that Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) had the best sprint of the five that came to the line together.  They had managed to drop the group that contained the two favorites and John Degenkolb (Lotto Soudal) who, on paper, was the best sprinter of the two groups coming into the last 500 meters.  On Pedersen's wheel was Florian Senechal (Deceuninck-Quick Step) who was the best of his three teammates out of the group, claiming the second step on the podium.  The two aggressors in the final kilometers, Matteo Trentin (CCC) and Alberto Bettiol (EF) took third and fourth respectively.  This was Pedersen's first victory after surrendering his Rainbow Jersey three weeks ago.  It was great to see that he was congratulated by all of those who just finished unable to get around the young Dane.

With the way the virus is resurging throughout Europe, and the USA, it may be unlikely that I will be painting any more racing this strange season.  Hopefully, I wll be back with the Tour of Flanders next week, but I'm not holding my breath for the start of La Veulta.  But then, I usually only paint one Grand Tour a year anyhow.  The Giro is looking like a great race this year, but I just don't have the energy, nor strenght to try and paint it right now.  I am still not anywhere near whole after my kidney donation surgery or the pneumonia complications that followed.  Better, but not all better.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors 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/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3718368-29-280747/Painting/the-best-sprint-gw20-7.html

Tour, Stage 9: Commiserating

As the group of GC contenders hit the final climb, the Col de Marie Blanque, the pace became brutal. Riders began losing the wheels from the bottom of the slope.  As they slide away, Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling) and the Spanish Champion, Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) had time to commiserate about the toughness of the effort.  Just ahead, bedecked in the red of the National Champion of Switzerland, Sebastien Riechenbach (Groupama-FDJ) was starting to yo-yo off the back just ahead of the Director's car and the Mavic neutral service car.  Both Sanchez's and Reichenbach's National Champion jerseys are examples of teams honoring the national flags and not adding them as a side note to the team kit.  Primoz Roglic's jersey is an example of how not to do it.  You can't even find the Slovenian flag on his kit.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3693434-56-282744/Painting/commiserating-tdf20-51.html

Tour, Stage 7: Riding Mad

Given the way Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) was riding, I think he was still mad about being given a 20 second time penalty, a penalty that took away his Yellow Jersey.  After the lead group turned for the last twenty five miles to the finish, Team Ineos-Grenadiers hit the front and drove the pace up again.  They split the field of some of the GC contenders.  Once that happened, Alaphilippe was only too happy to help push the pace.  Behind him, sharing the work load was Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos-Grenadiers) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling).  Other teams, including Jumbo-Visma and Astana were only to happy to help in the effort of leaving other behind.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3692256-42-282744/Painting/riding-mad-tdf20-38.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Taking on the Race

It was this group of five were taking the race on.  With today having been set as the final stage, it was a now or never situation.  In the middle is Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) who at this point is the Maillot Jaune Virtuale.  With another 36 K to race, the final 20 being a climb up to Valdeblore la Colmaine, it remains to be seen if the peloton was going to let them all stay away.  Joining the rather popular Frenchman were, Aurelien Paret Peintre (Ag2r La Mondiale), Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and leading the group the Maillot a Pois of Nicolas Edet (Cofidis).  Edet clearly got back into the group after his mechanical.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3492469-32-272742/Painting/taking-on-the-race-pn20-32.html

Tour, Stage 7: Man Down!

The Tour is filled with constant dangers.  Thus far we have seen freak occurances, lapse of attention, and road furniture cause multiple crashes and delays.  Today it was TeJan van Garderen (EF Education First) going down hard after hitting a traffic arrow atop a traffic island.  He was quickly assisted by Alberto Bettiol and another of  his teammates/  Fortunately, his injuries appear to be minor and he was soon back up and back into the peloton.  He finished with the same time as the stage winner before being taken to hospital to get a thorough check out.

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3359053-35-263530/Man%20Down!%20%20TDF19-35.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 3: Team Work

EF Education First was using some true team tactics today.  James Whelan had been out in the break all day.    Two guys jumped out of the peloton and bridged across to the original break, each had a teammate to join up with.  As the original group slowly fell apart, Whelan was able to press on helping his fresh legged teammate, Alberto Bettiol.  The duo put everything they had into the difficult final circuits around Uraidla.  The effort was most likely doomed, but it allowed the rest of the team to "rest" back in the chasing peloton.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3285582-127-194179/PaintingTeam-Work-TDU19-9.html