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

Giro d'Italia Stage 6: Expecting Rain

Stage 6 from Sassano to Montecassino was set to be one of the long stages of the Giro, but it was lengthened to 257 kilometers because of a landside on the original course.  The riders had to contend with a long day that looked to be ending with a heavy down pour before the final climb of the day.  A pro cyclist spends so much time on his bike, that he is capable of doing most anything while continuing to ride, including pulling on (and off) a rain coat, like Sebastien Chavanel (FDJ) as he road along with Arnaud Courteille (FDJ) and Giovanni Bernaudeau (Europcar).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase at my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2364481---198213/Painting.html#.U3Wd0M_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 4: Pacing Their Sprinter Back

First and explanation of "Neutralized"  The organizers finally settle on taking the times for the stage at the bell lap, the start of the final lap in the town of Bari.  This was done to protect both the GC contenders from crashes on the wet roads, and to thin down the peloton to let only the sprinters and their lead out trains vie for the stage making the sharp turns a bit safer.  The sprinter for FDJ, Nacer Bouhanni, had the misfortune of having a puncture on the lap just prior to the lap that the times would be taken at.  He had a hard charge to get back, first one teammate dropped back to help pace him back, and then the whole team waited at the back of the peloton to help bring him back to the business end of the race.  Unfortunately for all involved, the rains began to fall as the race heated up for the final lap and the wheels started sliding out from the peloton on the right angled turns.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase at my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting, you can follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2363379---198213/Painting.html#.U3J9-8_D_IU