Giro, Stage 18: Sneak Peak

This duo from the original break of twelve proved to be the strongest on the ascent of the Prato Nevoso.  Maximilian Schachman (Quick Step) is looking back to see where the other two had gone, while Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli) was looking at Schachmann.  It looks to me like Cattaneo is about to take advantage of Schachmann's blind side to go on an attack.  Ultimately, it was Schachmann who took stage honors on the summit adding to Quicksteps impressive total of stage wins in the Giro (5) and this season (36).  Cattaneo did finish second.  All of the break ended the day well ahead of the GC contenders who finished their day eleven minutes after Schachmann.  More about that in the next post.

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/3167752-75-249297/PaintingSneak-Peak--G18-80.html

Giro, Stage 18: Skirmishes

So the question is... "When will they develop a pen that has spell check and will check your grammar as well?"  The word I was going for was "skrimishes" not "scrimmages".   The two are totally different kinds of confrontations.  For the strong men of the formally large break away, the ascent of the Prato Nevoso was a war of attrition.  Each of this four man group put in an attack on the others.  And several found themselves dangling off the back of the quartet as well.  Reuben Plaza (Israel Cycling Academy) is just checking the eyes of Christoph Pfingsten (Bora-Hansgrohe) before having another dig.  Behind them Maximilian Schachmann (Quick Step) and Mattia Cataneo (Androni Giocattoli) wait to see what they will be able to do in response.

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/3167749-74-249297/PaintingScrimmages--G18-79.html

Giro, Stage 18: Large Group & a Large Gap

It was a dozen guys who saw today's stage as the day that break would succeed.  Given that they have already built up a 14 minute gap with 63 kilometers left to the finish line atop Prato Nevoso, they sure seem to be right.  Davide Ballerini (Androni Giocattoli) drops back to his team car for a bottle and a quick stradegy meeting.  Ballerini is one of those with a teammate in the group.  Their presence in the break continues the team's 100% participation rate in every break of the 101st Giro.  Just ahead of the Italian is Boy van Poppel (Trek-Segafredo) and Alex Turrin (Wilier Triestina).

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/3167729-72-249297/PaintingLarge-Group-&-a-Large-Gap--G18-77.html

Giro, Stage 16: "Vie, Vie, Vie!"

While most riders have a radio earpiece that connects them directly with their Director Sportif in the following vechiles, sometimes it is just too much fun to yell out the window.  Mattia Cattaneo (Androni Giocattoli) had his mouth wide open trying to draw in enough air as his director yelled encouragement (or comdemnation) from the car behind.  Cattaneo finished the day in 16th place on the stage, but he was much higher on the stage when he was urged across the line by his teamcar.

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/3166938-61-249297/Painting

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: Taking Tom Back Up

The defending champion of the 100th Giro d'Italia, Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb) is being lead back up through the peloton.  His team is always near by, ready to lend a hand in any way the team leader may need.  Former break away stars, Maxim Belkov (Katusha) and Marco Frapporti (Androni Giocattoli) moved over, to let Louis Vervaeke and Chris Hamilton lead number 1 through.  With 63 kilometers left to race, there was no reason to be worried.

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/3164925-49-249297/PaintingTaking-Tom-Back-Up--G18-49.html

Giro, Stage 10. It's Not Impossible

As a mechanic hands out a bottle, Marco Frapporti's (Androni Giocattoli) director sportif tells him it isn't impossible to stay off the front.  That may have been a bit of a stretch.  With 62 kilometers and a catagory 3 climb before the end of the day, it is unlikely a lone rider will be able to hold off the chasing peloton, regardless of how small that peloton might be.  It should be noted that Androni Giocattoli has been in every single break of this Giro, and a number of times it has been Frapporti in the mix.  They are certain honoring their wild card invitation to the race.

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/3163003-43-249297/PaintingIt's-Not-Impossible--G18-43.html

Giro, Stage 9: All Alone with 10 K

It was Fausto Masnada (Androni Giocattoli) who had the final say about who should be doing the work.  After his teammate, Davide Ballerini, had attempted an attack, and then Manuele Boaro (Bahrain Merida) had tried and fail, it was his turn to attack.  Masnada opened up as much as a half minute as he neared the ten kilometers to go banner.  While his efforts were admirable, it was with just three kilometers to go that he was finally pulled back into the fold.  But he again showed that you have to be willing to fail in order to succeed.  Behind him, drama upon drama was unfolding, ahead of him was just clear roads and tifosi.

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/3162399-39-249297/PaintingAll-Alone-with-10-K--G18-39.html

Giro, Stage 9: Mouthing Off

Manuele Boaro (Bahrain-Merida) was clearly annoyed with his fellow break away companions.  An annoyance that seemed not to phase Fausto Masnada (Androni Giocattoli).  Both riders had a teammate in the break and wanted the others to do more work (both hoping to launch their teammates on to the final climb with a sizable lead).  Hugh Carthy (EF Education First) seemed to question the antics of the Italian, some times you just need to race your bike.  I suppose they can be forgive, I am sure they are all exhausted from the day, and from nine days of racing.  Somehow, both Mathias Brandle (Trek-Segafredo) and Simone Andreetta (Bardiani CSF) stayed out of the converstaion, perhaps opting to letting their legs do the talking.

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/3162396-38-249297/PaintingMouthing-Off--G18-38.html

Giro, Stage 9: Chasing a Few Points

With a larger group of escapee then heretofore, it was going to take some effort to get any sprint points (or KOM points for that matter).  At the first of two sprints before the climb up the Gran Sasso d'Italia, it was Maxim Belkov (Katusha-Alpecin) who went on the offensive.  His move was covered, and bested, by Davide Ballerini (Andronni-Giocattli) in Bussi Sul Tirino.  Two others that had been leading the fourteen member group, Simone Andreetta (Bardiani CSF) and Mathias Brandle (Trek-Segafredo) decided not to get involved with the duos shennanigans.  However, it should be noted that Andreetta came third across the line.  10 kilometers up the road the duo went at it again, with Belkov trying from further out, again to no avail.  And again, Andreetta came third.

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/3162382-36-249297/PaintingChasing-a-Few-Points--G18-36.html

Giro, Stage 5: Trying It Alone

After chasing down the attack by his erstwhile companion, Laurent Didier (Trek-Segafredo), Andrea Vendrame (Androni Giocattoli) went on an attack of his own.  He left the other three behind and claimed both the final intermediate sprint of the day and maximum points on the category 4 climb of the Poggioreale.  With only 15 seconds on the peloton and another four kilometers to race it was unlikely this attack would stick.  But he has been leading the race for over 190 kilometers thus far.  Behind him, the commissare is watching for the closing peloton and keeping an eye on Vendrame's progress.

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/3160563-23-249297/PaintingTrying-It-Alone--G18-23.html

Giro, Stage 5: Out in the Open

Today's break was the first to have two guys on the same team in it.  The duo of Ryan Mullen (Trek-Segafredo) and Laurent Didier, joined forces with Andrea Vendrame (Andoni Giocattoli) and Eugert Zhupa (Wilier Triestina).  Vendrame went at the drop of the flag at kilometer zero joined quickly by the Irish champion Mullen.  Mullen was pressing on with the attack when he learned that his teammate Didier was trying to come across.  Naturally, he backed off on his effort until the quartet was formed.  Here he is chatting strategy with his director sportif while grabbing a bidon for Didier.

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/3160561-22-249297/PaintingOut-in-the-Open--G18-22.html

Giro, Stage 4: Well Played

The three surviving members of the early break, took the opportunity to shake hads as they neared the 15 K to go banner.  After prying out a five minute gap on the peloton over the preceeding 183 kilometers, it was now just a couple of seconds until they would be re-absorbed by the chasing peloton.  It is always a long shot that a break will work out, but it is always worth the attempt.

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/3159784-19-249297/PaintingWell-Played--G18-19.html

Giro, Stage 4: Sorry About That

The race had it's required early break away, a group of five that included the Maglia Azzurro along with Jacopo Mosca (Wilier Triestina-Selle Italia), Marco Frapporti (Androni Giocattoli-Spidermac) and Maxim Belkov (Katusha-Alpecin).  Apparently Frapporti had a touch of wheels with the Russian Belkov - or some other incident (it happened off camera so who knows what actually happened).  The Italian made sure to apologize or at least explain what happened, knowing full well that the group was going to have to work together to stay away from the peloton all the way to Caltagirone.

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/3159764-17-249297/PaintingSorry-About-That--G18-17.html

Giro, Stage 3: Not Happy

It seemed like Guillaume Boivin (Israel Cycling Academy) had spent the first 125 kilometers talking, and apparently getting more and more frustrated with his break away companions.  As they approached the sole climb of the longest stage of the Giro, he seemed annoyed that the others weren't doing their share of the work.  Almost immediatley after I painted this image, Marco Frapporti (Androni Giorattoli Spidermac) attacked.  Ultimately, he took maximum points at the summit at Foran River, leaving Boivin hoping only to be able to draw even with the leader in the King of the Mountains competition, Enrico Barbin (Bardiani CSF).  Instead it was Barbin taking second over the summit furthering his lead in the Maglia Azzurro.

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/3159149-12-249297/PaintingNot-Happy--G18-12.html

Giro, Stage 3: Something to Talk About

The pair on the front of this three man break away had some issues to discuss from yesterday's stage.  Enrico Barbin (Bardiani CSF) had managed to bridge across from the peloton at the base of the first climb of this Giro.  That was fine, but in so doing he also got to the top of the climb just ahead of the Israel Cycling Academy rider, Guillame Boivin.  That meant that today, Boivin had to go with Barbin on another break in hopes of bettering the Italian on today's sole climb. This early King of the Mountains jersey was the best hope for the home team to have a leader's jersey.  Marco Frapponti (Androni Giocattoli-Spidermac) was happy to get on the wheels of two motivated (although a bit irrateable adversaries).  Today's stage took the peloton into the dessert and to the southern most city of Eilat, not quite the lush hills of Tucsany.

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/3159114-11-249297/PaintingSomething-to-Talk-About--G18-11.html

Giro, Stage 2: They're Back There

The first road stage of the 101st Giro d'Italia featured the required early break.  Today it was three riders who got off the front, but it seemed that the sprinters were in no mood to let them get to far up the road.  After the time trial riders were very close together on the General Classification so the time bonuses at the intermediate sprints could well effect who would take over the Maglia Rosa from Tome Dumoulin (Team Sunweb).  Lars Bak (Lotto Soudal - although they race as Lotto Fix-all at the Giro) peers over his shoulder trying to catch a glimpse of the closing peloton.  All three were hoping to stay away to the top of the only catagorized climb (the King of the Mountain jersey would belong to whomever gets to the top first).  Leading the trio is Guillaume Boivin (Israel Cycling Academy) followed by Davide Ballerini (Androni Giocattoli-Sidermac).  Alas, none of these claimed the Maglia Azzure of the KOM competition.  So it goes.

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/3158038-6-249297/PaintingThey're-Back-There--G18-6.html

Il Lombardia: In Search of the Others

Rodolfo Torres (Androni Giocattoli) slipped away from the rest of the peloton hoping to get up to the quartet of leaders.  As he raced through the streets of Bergamo, try as he might, those ahead gained more time, and those behind closed in every closer.

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/2860459-30-206768/PaintingIn%20Search%20of%20the%20Others%20IL6-Greig-Leach.html#.V_G-ivArLIU

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 4: Marking the Attackers

One of the many team tactics in a stage race is for teammates of the protected riders (or of high place riders on the GC) is to chase down threatening break aways or attacks.  So when Mirko Selvaggi (Androni-Giocattoli) looked over his shoulder to check his gap on the peloton, he found Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) on his wheel.  The duo was swiftly joined by Peter Kennaugh (Sky) and Steve Cummings (Dimension Data).  All but Selvaggi were riding in support of teammates either to protect their general classification position or for their stage victory aspirations.

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.  This painting, and most of my cycling art, 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.  And yes, international shipping is available.

Plus, be sure to check out my newest book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships" a complete telling of the 2015 Worlds through art and word painted live as the racing happened on the streets of my home town.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2742061-277-195767/Painting.html#.VuWV1_krLIU

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 3: Pushing to Stay Away

Never one to resist a good pun (defined by the groan it produces), the quartet of the early break were pushing themselves as hard as they could to keep away from the fast approaching peloton.  They had just 12 kilometers left to race, but the peloton could almost see them on the long straight roads on the way into Montalto di Castro.  Giorgio Cecchinel (Androni Gattoli) gave Domingos Concalves (Caja Rural) a little push forward in line, skipping a turn at the front hoping to safe a little energy for the finale.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created live using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com, just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of Tirreno-Adriatico.

Plus be sure to discover my new book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships".  You can purchase it online at www.artofcycling.bike or ask for it at your local bookstore.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2741306-272-195767/Painting.html#.VuMx1vkrLIU