Tour, Stage 8: Helping Hand

There are multiple interpretations of this title, and they all apply.  First is the sticky bottle, that gives a short tow for the rider grabbing the bottle.  Secondly, the information and nutrition from the team car can be a life saver of help.  And finally, while Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) went on the attack, he needed the assistance of Alessandro De Marchi (CCC) if he wanted to win the stage in Saint Etienne.

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%202019/3359447-39-263530/Helping%20Hand%20%20TDF19-39.html

Tour, Stage 8: Southern Hospitality

Virginian born Ben King (Dimension Data) shows the Dutchman Niki Terpstra (Total Direct Energie) a little southern hospitality, offering him a waterbottle after noticing he had none.  We Virginian's like to be helpful (at least the nice ones do).  The duo was being led by Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and had just been joined by Alessandro De Marchi (CCC).  This group had a long day ahead of them if the break was to succeed.  They did have an advantage, their position on GC meant the peloton wasn't too interested.  Then combined that with De Gendt's teammate had the Maillot a Pois, so Lotto Soudal wasn't going to chase them down for King of the Mountains points.

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%202019/3359443-38-263530/Southern%20Hospitality%20%20TDF19-38.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 11: At the Top

The early break, formed much later than usual, finally got a large gap.  The group comprised of the early duo of Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) along with the joining trio of Alex Turrin (Wilier Triestina), Andrea Guardini (Bardini CSF) and Fausta Masnada (Androni Giocattoli), are about to ride over the top of the Valico de Pietra Rosso.  Just over the climb, won by Fausta Masnada, was one of the many tunnels thoughout the mountains of Italy.  Androni Giocattoli has continued to get a rider in every single break of this Giro, certainly paying back their wild card invitation.

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/3164930-50-249297/PaintingAt-the-Top--G18-50.html

Giro, Stage 11: Trying to Get Established

Attack after attack for 25 kilometers and yet the early break away hadn't yet formed,  But it does look like this powerful dual of Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC).  Behind the early animator of the stage, Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) was trying to join up with the leaders.  Alas, despite all of his earlier efforts (or because of them) he just couldn't make the jump.  The repeative attacks had set a blisteing pace for the first 25 kilometers of just over 50 kph.  This was setting the stage for the fastest stage of the Giro the day after the longest stage.

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/3164923-48-249297/PaintingTrying-to-Get-Established--G18-48.html

Giro, Stage 10: Trying to Get Across

Recognizing that the race was to be won by whomever was up the road, Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) and Sergio Henao (Sky) went off in hopes of joining those ahead.  Henao may have been trying to re-capture some of the glory that Team Sky had expected to be generated by Chris Froome.  Henao is the National Champion of Colombia, but his jersey his hidden under his dark Sky rain jacket.  Perhaps the same could be said for De Marchi, at least his team leader had possession of the Maglia Rosa for a couple of stages in the first week of 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/3163235-46-249297/PaintingTrying-to-Get-Across--G18-46.html

Vuelta, Final Stage: Doomed from the Start

Alessandro de Marchi (BMC) and Rui Costa (Bahrain-Merida) were giving it yet another attempt at escaping the peloton for a stage victory.  With Quickstep hell bent on geting Matteo Trentin across the line in first place, this effort was even more doomed than their other efforts.  Joining the two seasoned campaigners was Nicholas Schultz (Caja Rural-Seguros), he was thrilled just to put himself off the front with a chance, no matter how bad the odds were for success.

As I said in the previous post, it was Trentin who took out the stage (his fourth) and Chris Froome (Sky) who claimed the overall.  It was his first Vuelta after three previous second place finishes.  And his second grand tour win in a row in 2017.

This is the end of my paintings of the 2017 Vuelta, sorry there isn't a painting of Trentin with his arms aloft, nor a champagne toast from Froome.  Next up will be some of the races from the Worlds in Bergen, Norway.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Vuelta-2017/3031965-56-239162/PaintingDoomed-from-the-Start-V-57.html

Vuelta, Stage 13: Down to Two

Despite having been in mulitple breaks in this year's Vuelta, it was Alessandro de Marchi (BMC) and Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) who rode away from their erstwhile French companions.  However, it looks like de Gendt is trying to beat a cramp out of his right leg.  No wonder the bright sun and 39 degree celsius temperatures weren't helping matters.  With just fifteen kilometers left to race, and the loss now of de Gendt, de Marchi had very little hope of holding off the peloton, but no point in surrendering now.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Vuelta-2017/3024811-17-239162/PaintingDown-to-Two-V-18.html

Vuelta, Stage 13: Against the Odds

With a stage that is ear marked for the sprinters, these four were playing against the odds to take the stage.  But as Alexis Gougeard's (Ag2r La Mondiale) teammates motto states, "Take the risk or lose the chance."  Joining the Frenchman in the most likely vain effort were two riders who seemed to have been in every break of this Vuelta, Thomas de Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Alessandero de Marchi (BMC).  Sandwiched between those two was the other Frenchman, Arnaud Courteille (FDJ).  It was a little odd not to see a Spaniard go for it on the long, hot stage to Sevilla.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Vuelta-2017/3024802-16-239162/PaintingAgainst-the-Odds-V017.html

Fleche Wallone: Pressing On

It was the National Champion of Luxembourg, Bob Jungels (Quickstep), who was able to bridge across the Alessandro De Marchi (BMC),  The pair were able to open almost a minute on the Movistar, Orica-Scott led peloton as they started the bell lap with just 15 kilometers left to race.  It was looking good for the pair, but the peloton has a way of timing the catch to perfection.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I will be crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  Please feel free to become a follower of this blog to be informed of the project and your chance to participate in helping to make it happen.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/2952631-402-195767/PaintingPressing-On-FW17-6.html

Fleche Wallone: Down by the River

Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) was able to use the tight turn at the top of the Cote de Cherave to open up a gap on those that had grapped his wheel on the climb.  The Italian dropped into an aerodynamic tuck and went off in search of the town of Huy.  The river bank made for a scenic ride towards the penultimate scaling of the Mur de Huy - not that he had anytime to take in the scenery.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I will be crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  Please feel free to become a follower of this blog to be informed of the project and your chance to participate in helping to make it happen.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/2952594-401-195767/PaintingDown-by-the-River-FW17-5.html

Fleche Wallone: Getting a Gap

With the last of the early escapees back in the peloton, it was time for the counter attacks to start.  In fact, one reason the peloton will leave the early break out front is to discourage others from going on the offensive.  BMC didn't bring Greg Van Avermaet to the 81st  Fleche Wallone, so it left other team members with the freedom to ride for themselves.  The first to take advantage was Alessandro De Marchi, who jumped away with another 46 kilometers left to race.  I was unable to determine which rider from Movistar who covered De Marchi's move.  The name the announcer was giving didn't match my startlist.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I will be crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  Please feel free to become a follower of this blog to be informed of the project and your chance to participate in helping to make it happen.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/2952581-400-195767/PaintingGetting-a-Gap-FW17-4.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: Damn, They're Here!

Eduardo Sepulveda (Fortuneo-Vital Concept) must have been disappointed when he looked back over his shoulder and saw the closing Sky led peloton.  Alessandro Di Marchi (BMC) seemed more resigned to the inevitable capture so didn't seem to find the need to look over his shoulder.  With the last of the break now cauight, it was only a matter of time before the attacks for stage victory or placing on the general classification.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2932282-362-195767/PaintingDamn,%20They're%20Here!%20PN17-26.html

Paris Nice, Stage 6: An Attacking Duo

As this duo of Eduardo Sepulveda (Fortuneo Vital Concept) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) went up the slopes of Col de Bourigallle, they were all that was left of the early break away.  Just behind the two attackers was the neutral service moto, ready to provide a quick wheel change for either rider given how far back their team cars are.  The other moto is one belonging to race officials, keeping an eye on just what the pair were up to.  Early in this year's Paris Nice, Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) was pulled out of the race for getting to much assistance from his team car.  He was holding on to the car while bogus repairs were being "made" as he was dragged back into the race.  Today, everything was on the up and up.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2932259-360-195767/PaintingAn%20Attacking%20Duo%20PN17-24.html

Il Lombardia: Spiraling Down

The roads of Lombardia and Lake Como are nothing short of spectacular both the scenery and the engineering of the switchbacks.  The final descend was very technical and was used by the leading four to increase their lead on the more timid followers.  Tacked on the back of the chasers were Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) and Robert Gesnik (LottoNL Jumbo).  Gesnik is not known for his descending prowess, and this descent was surely not to his liking.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Other%20Cycling%20Art/2860453-29-206768/PaintingSpiraling%20Down%20IL5-Greig-Leach.html#.V_G7fPArLIU

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 1: Back Roads

BMC Pro Cycling is currently the two-time reigning champions in the Team Time Trial although not all of this group where in Richmond, Virginia when they took the title.  Tejay van Garderen, the team leader, is slipping off of the front and preparing to slide in behind Alessandro De Marchi and Jean Pierre Drucker.  BMC was able to claim the stage and put the Italian, Daniel Oss, into the leader's Blue Jersey.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition this painting and all of my cycling art, is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  And yes, international shipping is available.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of artwork of the Tirreno-Adriatico.

Be sure to look up my recently published book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships"  You can purchase your copy online at www.artofcycling.bike or ask for it at your local bookstore.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2740279-262-195767/Painting.html#.VuD-o_krLIU

Tour Down Under: Job Done

A team will have a designated leader, sometimes it may have two different objectives. or two possible race contenders.  For BMC Pro Cycling, they have the luxury of riches, Rohan Dennis started the day in third overall, with their new recruit, Richie Porte not far behind.  However, these guys and their positions on GC meant that the rest of the team had to work just that much harder.  As the peloton road through Willunga Hill for the final time, those teammates would had spent themselves in support of their leaders, dropped to the back of the pack and prepared to fight another day.  Maarten Tjallingii (LottoNL Jumbo0, Ian Stannard (Team Sky) dropped back along with the duo of Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) and Peter Velits (BMC) having done what they could for their teams.  I just now noticed that I never painted in the black area on the small of the backs of the BMC kit.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting created using watercolors from www.richesonart.com and is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  In addition, be sure to check out my new book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships" available now at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2682113-91-194179/Painting.html#.VqQI8PkrLIU

Tour Down Under: Taking the Team Over the Top

At the base of the first trip up Willunga Hill, the peloton caught up with (and quickly left behind) the early break away.  With the peloton all back together, Team BMC decided it was now time to push the pace and make it as hard for the other teams as possible.  As they reached the top of the climb, it was Danilo Wyss on the front follow by his teammates Rohan Dennis, Alessandro De Marchi and Richie Porte.  Porte is quite familiar with the climb, he has won the last two times the Tour Down Under has make this climb.  I am sure he and the team were planning on making it three in a row.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting created using watercolors from www.richesonart.com and is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  In addition, be sure to check out my new book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships" available now at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2682091-90-194179/Painting.html#.VqQD6vkrLIU

2014 UCI Worlds: Pushing Their Advantage

With Tony Martin (Germany) pulled back into the fold, it was time for this year's king of the breakaway, Alessandro De Marchi (Italy) to toss his hat into the ring.  Or perhaps his wheel into the wind?  De Marchi was quickly joined in the effort on the penultimate trip up the steep final climb on the 18 kilometer lap by Cyril Gautier (France) and Matti Breschel (Denmark).  The trio presented a serious threat to the peloton that was scrambling behind to get the chase organized.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  While you are there, be sure to check out my soon to be released, "Book de Tour."  It is a collection of my paintings and writings of the 101st Tour de France, a race and a book were De Marchi is well represented.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/2014%20World%20Championships/2443420---202544/Painting.html#.VCiry8_D_IU