Tour, Stage 1: Caught Out

The open flat roads of Normandy combined with the winds off of the Atlantic and the English Channel, provided the peloton with yet another element to contend with.  The race course had the riders switching direction almost constantly.  A few like Borut Bozic (Cofidis) and Jan Polanc (Lampre-Merida) were caught out by a strong crosswind and the acceleration of the front end of the peloton.  These eight or ten riders were left scrambling to catch back onto the fast disappearing tail of the leaders.  They could take comfort in knowing that the road was sure to change direction yet they could ill afford to lully-gag in hopes of it all coming back together.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2817373-3-224974/PaintingCaught%20Out%20TdF3-Greig-Leach.html#.V3fyYLgrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Finding the Last One

The speed of the peloton would increase with each attack that came out of its ranks.  That speed and the length that the breakaway had been out in front ensured that they would be caught, eventually.  The very last one to succumb to the charging peloton was the Frenchman, Alexis Gougeard (AG2R).  Leading the chase when the catch was made was Borut Bozic (Astana) doing the work for his team's hopeful, Lars Boom.  It was Boom who took the stage last year that included many of these same pave sections, and like Paris Roubaix, finished in the Roubaix Velodrome.  The final catch was made with just 21 kilometers left to race, a valiant effort by Gougeard.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular watercolor just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about Paris Roubaix with the accompanying artwork, be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France".  It can be found through most every online bookseller around the world.  Google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2541140---195767/Painting.html#.VSsAqvnF-xU

Paris-Nice Stage 3: Winning in Green

Perhaps the only thing better than winning a stage is winning a stage while wearing the sprinter's Green Jersey (the jersey of the most consistent sprinter).  With today's stage ending on a Formula One race track speed and room was the order of the finale.  So the best on the day went to John Degenkolb of Team Giant-Shimano follow closely by Jose Joaquin Rojas (Moviestar), Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma Quick Step), Matty Goss (Orica Greenedge) and Borut Bozic (Astana).  Just peaking in under Degenkolb's arm is the Yellow Jersey of race leader Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2326245---195767/Painting.html#.Ux_Pe8_D_IU