Tour '26, Stage 21: Desperately Close

The change in the lap up to Montmartre meant that there was a longer flatter stretch of road before the return to the Champs Elysees.  That gave the sprinters and their teams the opportunity to chase down anyone that got away on the narrow climb up to the summit of Butte Montmartre.  So it was for Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) and Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Premier Tech) as they made the final curve towards the line on the Champs Elysees.  Without any true need other than pride, Pogacar sat up once the chasers caught his wheel.  Tadej finished thirtieth on the stage but is still very much the winner of the Tour de France for the fifth time.  He is only the fifth to officially achieve that milestone.  Van Der Poel had a very different finish on the Champs Elysees than that of the Maillot Jaune.  The group that had chase these two down included all of the big-name sprinters that have gotten themselves over the alps just for this moment.  Lining up to fight it out for stage honors in Paris are Milan Fretin (Cofidis), Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Mattieu's teammate Jasper Philipsen, Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) and Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) amongst others.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

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Tour '26, Stage 13: Why He Chased

It was debated whether Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) would have anything left in his legs after the long chase down of the breakaway.  While he didn't win the intermediate sprint in Melisey, he did just manage to nip pass Biniam Girmay (NSN Pro Cycling) to take second with the maximum points going to Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).  Pedersen needed to be up here to gain as many points as possible since Philipsen is closing in on the lead in the race for the Maillot Vert.  Pedersen's second goes a long way to keeping him in green.  Philipsen's successful intermediate sprint moves him to second in the sprinters' competition.  He has done well in the intermediate sprints, but Philipsen has yet to put together a sprint for a stage win this Tour.  It is unlikely that he, or any of the pure sprinters, will have another chance to win a stage with the possible exception of the final stage into 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Why He Chased TdF26-87" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 12: His Third

Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) came from a ways back to take out his third stage of this Tour de France.  Despite a crash not far from the front of the peloton, none of the marquee sprinters were involved in the mayhem.  Although, the first to go down was the sprinter for Caja Rural-Seguros, Fernando Gaviria.  The general classification riders were caught behind but all will be awarded the same time since the crash happened within the final five kilometers.  Merlier outsprinted Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) who was second followed by Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech). Philipsen had a perfect lead-out but just doesn't have the punch to hold of the Belgium sprinter.  Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) was fourth.  A little further back you can spy Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).  While I am sure Mads would have preferred to have done better, he did well enough in ninth to maintain a solid lead in the race for the Maillot Vert.  With no more pure sprint stages in the Tour (now that the final stage into Paris includes the climb up Montmartre), it seems that as long as he is able to stay in the race, the Green Jersey will be his.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "His Third TdF26-85" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 11: Flat Out

I had back issues and went to the ER today, I was worried that the medicine I was given would affect the way I painted.  If it did, I think it improve it.  This may be one of my most favorites of the fourteen years I have been painting the Tour.  Somehow even after a hundred miles at the fastest pace of any Tour stage in history, the sprinters were able to ramp it up just that much faster.  At just a hundred meters, Soren Waerenskjold (Uno X-Mobility) was on the front with Pascal Ackerman (Jayco-Alula), Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural-Seguros), Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling), Milan Fretin (Cofidis) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) were all hoping that they could get around the Norwegian to claim the stage in Nevers.  Warenskjold has finished second in two stages thus far, was this going to be the one that he got right?  Or was Philipsen finally going to get that elusive stage in this Tour. He has one ten stages in his career, but not yet in the 113th Tour.  Girmay is still looking for his first win in two years.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Flat Out TdF26-77" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 9: Oh, No You Don't!

The intermediate sprints have become hotly contested this Tour.  Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) has been sprinting it out against Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) anytime the peloton arrives intact at any of the in-stage sprints.  It seems like the two have fought to an even split thus far.  As far as the final sprint goes either Pedersen is winning the fight being the only one to win a stage (of the two).  Or one could argue that it goes to Girmay since he has placed consistently higher the first eight stages of the race.  Ultimately, Pedersen is the one in the Green Sprinter's Jersey... not Girmay.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Oh, No You Don't!" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 8: Two in a Row!

Once the peloton had caught the lone escapee remaining, it was eyes down for the sprint.  Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) came from a long way back to claim his second stage victory in a row in Bergerac. It was looking like Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) was about to get his first stage at the Tour de France in two years until Merlier came from seemingly nowhere.  On his wheel was Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) who was hoping he would be the sprinter to win two stages in the 113th Tour de France. Tomorrow, we go back to the hills, so I expect it won't be a day for these pure sprinters.  Will it be the breakaway that succeeds or will it be a GC day?

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Two in a Row! TdF26-57" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 7: A Clear Victory

Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) was able to work through the crowded field of sprinters to take the stage victory in Bordeaux!  He had a clear win over Soren Waerenskjold (Uno X-Mobility) and Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling).  It is worth pointing out that neither Merlier nor Waerenskjold vied for points at the intermediate sprint (Girmay did).  That may have been the difference between winning the stage and merely collecting points towards the Green Jersey.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

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Tour '26, Stage 7: The Usual Suspects

I'm hoping you get the famous line from Casablanca that this title is referencing.  Or is my age showing, again.  Today's intermediate sprint in Landrias was for third best since the two-man break was still up the road.  It was the usual group of sprinters that we have seen most every stage vying for the most sprint points still up for grabs.  Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) added to his advantage and ensure that he would continue to wear the Maillot Vert even if he scores no points in Bordeaux at the end of the day.  He was followed across the line in turn by Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling), Max Kanter (XDS Astana) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).  I admit that until this Tour I had never heard of Kanter, but he continues to impress me.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him take a stage in the near future.  Of course, my heart is pulling for Girmay.  Yes, I do have my favorites.  Admit it, you do, 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "The Usual Suspects TdF26-48" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 5: A Clean Set of Wheels

I feel I may need to explain the title.  A clean set of wheels means that someone as such an advantage at the finale, that no one is anywhere near them, thus a clean set of wheels refers to no one in their slipstream or threatening to pass them.  That is just how strong of a sprint Olav Kooij (Decathlon-CMA CGM) was able to mount. He has now won his first Tour de France stage and in so doing got the first stage win for his French team as well.  Unable to match his burst of speed but still holding on for second was the guy who took the intermediate sprint, Max Kanter (XDS-Astana).  The final step of the podium in Pau went to Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) followed in turn by Huub Artz (Lotto-Intermarche).  Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) only managed to finish sixth, but did add some more points in his quest for the Maillot Vert.  I am not sure where the current wearer of the sprinter's jersey finished, but Mads Pedersen did hold on to his Green Jersey.  In fact, none of the leader's jerseys changed shoulders today.  I doubt that will be the case tomorrow as they race over the Tourmalet before ending atop Gauarnie-Gedre.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "A Clean Set of Wheels TdF26-37" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 5: Dry Run

With just one guy off the front and the peloton all together, the intermediate sprint was the chance for a dry run of the expected sprint finale in another 45 kilometers' time.  I was surprised to see Max Kanter (XDS-Astana) pop out to grab second place ahead of some of the marquee sprinters of the peloton.  He had a bike length or two on the Maillot Vert of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling).  A little bit further back was the French sprinter Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) who seems to be hanging around near the front of the sprints, but not quite getting the right jump on the others.  I'm not quite sure what this says about the coming sprint in Pau, but I do know it should be an exciting one.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

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Tour '26, Stage 4: Maximum Points

Most of the marquee sprinters had managed to get into the large breakaway.  For the first time this Tour they were all able to sprint for maximum points at the intermediate sprint.  Again, it was Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) getting the better of both Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) and Mads Petersen (Lidl-Trek) at the line in Quillan.  Pedersen's third place moves him much closer to his target of wearing the Maillot Vert of the Green Jersey.  It is worth noting that all three of these guys have won the jersey in previous Tours.  Now that they have gotten what they hoped for out of the intermediate sprint, will they sit up and go back to the trailing peloton?  Only Pedersen pressed on in the breakaway, the other two went back in hopes of saving their energy for the sprint stage 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Maximum Points TdF26-26" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '26, Stage 2: First Sprint

I was thrilled to see Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) take the best of the rest in the first intermediate sprint of this Tour de France.  He was chased to the line in Viladecans by Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Michael Matthews (Jayco-Alula), Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies), and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).  With the breakaway still off the front, the peloton didn't get the chance to sprint for maximum points, so most likely, the next Maillot Vert will go to whomever wins today's stage.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

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Tour '25, Stage 19: That Should Seal It

Lidl-Trek hit the front as soon as Prudhome waved the flag at kilometer zero.  They were off with one sole purpose today and that was to get the maximum sprint points for their man Jonathan Milan.  With this intermediate sprint he should now have enough points to carry the Maillot Vert all of the way to Paris.  Should Tadej Pogacar not win the stage that should make it mathematically impossible for the yellow jersey to win the green one too.  So yet again, Milan out sprinted everyone within his group at the intermediate sprint out gunning Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) and Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies).  His team has been so strong that the USA Champion Quinn Simmons who is on his team took fourth in the sprint.  Even he had the legs to outsprint Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno X-Mobility).  Although, I discovered moments later that Abrahamsen was preparing for the post sprint counter move to start the breakaway.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"That Should Seal It TdF25-125" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '25, Stage 17: Continuing His Streak

Every time the peloton approaches an intermediate sprint regardless of a break being off the front or not, it is Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) who takes the sprint over the group he is within.  So the four-man break took the maximum points, but Milan sucked up the most that were left towards solidifying his lead in the Maillot Vert.  The continual also ran, Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) took the next placing holding strong to his third place in the competition, or we could say second amongst the sprinters.  I talk about why that is in my YouTube post I filmed while painting this watercolor.  You will be able to click through to that video below... eventually.  While you are there, it would be lovely if you would subscribe to the channel.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Continuing His Streak TdF25-112" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 16: Well, That Didn't Work

Both of the two top sprinters still in the Tour de France, had missed the early breakaway of thirty-one guys.  With that many up the road neither would score any points towards the Maillot Vert of most consistent sprinter of the Tour.  Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) has the lead in that competition with Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) just a bit behind him.  Unfortunately for the sprinters the combination of Tadej Pogacar sitting in second in the competition and the "Monster of Provence," Mont Ventoux facing the peloton at the end of the stage Milan was in danger of losing that spiffy Green Jersey.  Naturally, if Milan goes on the attack, Girmay is going to follow.  It was nice to see them exchange a kind word after their failed effort to bridge up to the breakaway.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Well, That Didn't Work TdF25-103" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 8: Adding to His Collection

Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) has been perfect at sprinting against the bunch in every intermediate sprint in this Tour thus far.  Today, he was able to sprint for the maximum of twenty points in Vitre. I keep thinking this is close to the French word for 'fast.'  Milan was certainly fast.  Try as the might, the trio of Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep), Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) and Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) couldn't get within a half a bike length of the guy wearing the Maillot Vert.  At this point he sits in second place in the sprinters' competition, but this addition to his collection of points will set him up to retake the lead at the stage's finale.  Milan just missed getting his first Tour de France stage win when Merlier beat him in a photo finish.  I'm worried about Girmay, he just doesn't have the pop that won him that same green jersey last 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Adding to His Collection TdF25-49" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 7: Consistently, the Best of the Rest

The peloton found itself coming to the intermediate sprint with a five-man break up the road yet again.  For the third time (I think) Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) was sprinting to be the 'best of the rest' in Pledran.  He was easily able to come around last year's winner of the final Maillot Vert, Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty).  I can't decide if Milan is just that much better, or Girmay just doesn't have the punch he had in 2024.  Still, bringing Milan over Mads Pedersen seems to have been the correct decision for Lidl-Trek.  

Normally I have been seeing Eritrean flags at the sprint points, but today the only flag flying was of Slovenia for the erstwhile Maillot Jaune of Tadej Pogacar.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Consistently, the Best of the Rest TdF25-42 " (Original art by Greig Leach)

 

Tour '25, Stage 4: Increasing His Advantage

Just like the intermediate sprint yesterday there were four guys still off the front from the early breakaway.  And just like yesterday, it was Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) taking out the best of the rest sprint from the peloton.  Unlike yesterday, it was a clean sprint without a big crash.  Milan clearly got the better of Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) is closest competitor for the final Maillot Vert.  He increased his lead over Grimay by a single point as he sped through Saint Adrien.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Staying Hydrated TdF25-19" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 2: Pissed Off

Despite having won the intermediate sprint behind the four-man breakaway, Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) was pissed off at Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) over some perceived infraction.  For the life of me I couldn't see what made him go full Italian waving his hands all over the place.  If anything, Grimay should have been the one with the complaint as the Italian had tried to push the Eritrean off of his lead-out man's wheel.  While they were arguing, Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) - the European Champion - had taken the spot in-between the two.  And the Maillot Jaune on the shoulders of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was the fourth across the intermediate sprint line of the peloton in  Enocq.  

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Pissed Off TdF25-9" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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Tour '25, Stage 1: Winding It Up

Alpecin-Deceuninck had led out the final fifteen kilometers of the opening stage of the Tour beautifully.  With just about 75 meters to go, the deliver Jasper Philipsen to the front at full speed.  Try as they might Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) wasn't able to come around him.  Jasper took the stage by roughly five bike lengths, with Girmay taking second.  Behind, Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) was fourth, Matteo Trentin (Tudor) fifth, Clement Russo (Groupama-FDJ) sixth, and Soren Werenskjold (Uno X-Mobility) took the third step of the peloton.  The result puts Philipsen in both the Maillot Jaune and the Maillot Vert, with Girmay in the Maillot Blanc of best young rider.  Girmay sits second in both the sprint competition and the general classification.

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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Winding It Up TdF25-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)