Bergen 2017, Elite Men's Team Time Trial: The Final Corners

I'll admit it, I have a soft spot for CCC Sprandi Polkowice.  It may just be that they have the brightest colored kit in the peloton, but more likely is they always race with agression whenever they take to the start line.  I was very excited to see them posting the new best times along the course AND at the finish line.  With some of the true powerhouses of the discipline to come, I was sure their time wouldn't stand (and it didn't).  But it was nice to see them in the hot seat no matter how briefly.

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/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034269-8-239826/PaintingThe-Final-Corners--Bergen-8.html

Giro, Stage 18: The Final Four

The last four members of the large early break crested the penultimate climb of the Passo di Pinei together.  I went with this title (a mixed sports metaphor) because of the presence of two Americans, Tejay van Garderen (BMC) and Joe Dombrowski (Cannondale-Drapac).  Joining them was the captain of CCC Sprandi Polkowice, Jan Hirt, and the Maglia Azzurro of Mikel Landa (Sky).  Lining the road on the backside of the climb are the trucks that haul the fencing, banners and inflatables that demark the summit of every catagorized climbs.  The Giro is a true traveling circus of cycling fun.

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 racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2972280-119-235247/PaintingThe-Final-Four-G17-127.html

Giro, Stage 15: Spiraling Down

The descent off of the Selvino was fast and technical.  Riders will enter the hairpin turns carrying as much speed as possible, brake hard, and then accelerate back up to speed as they exit the turn.  Some riders are gifted (or fearless) at descending, others, not so much.  Jose Goncalves (Katusha-Alpecin) and Michal Schlegel (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) were playing follow the leader as they picked their line through the turns on the tail end of the peloton.

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 racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2970714-98-235247/PaintingSpiraling-Down-G17-106.html

Giro, Stage 9: I Think They're Here

The last two members of the early break, Jan Tratnik (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) and Tomasoz Marczynski (Lotto Soudal) looked back over their shoulders to see the closing peloton.  With the first category 1 climb to end the stage, it was time for the GC men to test each others legs.  The peloton was being lead by the team of the odds on favorite, Nairo Quintana of Movistar.  In some ways, the 100th Giro d'Italia starts 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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2966825-60-235247/PaintingI-Think-They're-Here-G17-61.html

Giro, Stage 9: Work Together!

Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) wasn't amused with the number of passengers in the break.  He would take each drift to the back of the group as a chance to complain to each man who wasn't doing his fair share of work.  When he was on the front he would look back to see who the quilty parties were.  Sanchez had behaved much the same in yesterday's break to no avail, but that didn't stop him from trying and chiding again.  Oh his wheel was another rider familiar with the break away effort and Sanchez's policing, Jan Tratnik (CCC Sprandi Polkowice).  Behind him road Marco Morato (UAE Team Emirates) with the Adriatic Sea over his right shoulder.

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 am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2966821-58-235247/PaintingWork-Together!-G17-59.html

Giro, Stage 7: On the Job

Race mechanics are tasked with a very difficult job.  Their mistakes can effect the results of their team, and naturally, their quality work can effect things as well.  One of the team mechanics will ride in the team car ready to jump out and change wheels, bikes or repair whatever is broken within seconds.  Here the CCC Sprandi Polkowice man is swapping the rear wheel of Felix Grosschartner.  Once the switch is made, he will help push Grosschartner to get him back up to speed and back into the peloton.

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 am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2965563-46-235247/PaintingOn-the-Job-G17-47.html

Giro, Stage 5: Coming Back Together

No one was surprised to see the catch of the break away come with just 15 kilometers left to race.  The teams of the sprinters didn't want to catch them too early, nor did they want to let them steal the glory.  Maciej Paterski (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) and Evgeny Shalunov (Gazprom-Rusvelo) knew it was a long shot that their break would work, but both were equally sure they didn't have a chance of taking the stage if they didn't give it a try.  Now with the race 'gruppo compacto' it was time for the sprinters' teams to get themselves organized.

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 am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2964468-34-235247/PaintingComing-Back-Together-G17-35.html

Giro, Stage 5: Climbing Through Town

It is unlikely that the break will succeed againg today.  With the second half of the stage almost pan flat, the sprinters are going to want to have their day.  That didn't stop the pair of Maciej Paterski (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) and Evgeny Shalunov (Gazprom-Rusvelo) from going out front of the peloton.  They did manage to get upwards of four minutes on the peloton before those behind began the chase.  This is the second time that Shalunov has been in a break, and I believe at least one of his teammates have been in every break away thus far in the 100th Giro d'Italia.

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 am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2964402-31-235247/PaintingClimbing-Through-Town-G17-32.html

Giro, Stage 3: Not Yet

"Not Yet," might have been what Jan Tratink (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) was thinking as he sprang away from his former break away companions.  He went on the offensive just as the peloton reached out to grab the threesome.  Most likely the effort would be in vain, but there is a phrase, "vain glory".  I think it applies here.  He must have been hearten when he looked back and saw this stretch of empty road.  Alas, it was in vain.

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 am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2963199-20-235247/PaintingNot-Yet-G17-20.html

Giro, Stage 3: Flat and Fast

Another stage, another break away.  Original four got away from the peloton, but it quickly became these three on the flat and windy final day on the island of Sardinia.  Eugert Zhupa (Wilier Triestina) got himself back into another break (he was in the one on the first stage of the race).  The others represent wild card teams as well.  Jan Tratink (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) and Alexey Tsatevich (Gazprom-Rusvelo) may be in their first break, but their teams have been out on the attack in every stage thus far.  Today, the peloton wasn't giving them the time gap that had been donated to the others, perhaps they were a bit tired of the effort of chasing for kilometer after kilometer.

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 am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2963164-17-235247/PaintingFlat-and-Fast-G17-17.html

Giro, Stage 2: Keep Drinking

The break away was losing time to the chasing peloton, but that didn't mean they were going to give up.  On the way up to the summit of the highest climb thus far, Guiseppe Fonzi (Wilier Trestina) reached out to grab a bottle from his team car.  It is important to keep one's fluids up not only for the effort of the day, but to make sure that the body is able to survive 21 days of racing and thousands of kilometers of climbs and weather.  Climbing with Fonzi are Daniel Teklehaimanet (Dimension Data), Nicola Ruffoni (Bardiani-CSF) and Lukas Owsian (CCC Sprandi Polkowice).  Teklehaimanet was hoping to be first over the final climb of the day and claiming the Maglia Azurro for himself.  Problem was the peloton was closing behind.

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 am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2962948-11-235247/PaintingKeep-Drinking-G17-11.html