Tour de France, Stage 20: Up the Road

Stage 20 had to be re-routed due to problems with a highway tunnel and a small land side on the approach to the top of the Col du Galibier.  So the break got off up the road going back over the Col de la Croix de Fer but in the opposite direction from the previous stage.  The course still includes the mountain top finish on the fabled Alp d'Huez.  The break away consisting of Ramunas Navardauskas (Cannondale Garmin), Alexandre Geniez (FDJ), Nicolas Edet (Cofidis) and Lars Bak (Lotto Soudal).  None of these guys are known as climbers so I think their primary goal was to get a head start on the two HC mountain climbs of the day.

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, www.richesonart.com.  They are a wonderful small family run art supply company based in the northern mid-west of the United States.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  As it is a one of a kind original work of art, you may not want to delay your purchase, because when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2585671-133-210122/Painting.html#.VbP3EvlViko

Tour de France, Stage 17: One Kilometer, One to Catch

As Andrew Talansky (Cannondale Garmin) flew under the red kite of one kilometer left to race, he still had one more man to catch in order to take the stage.  Talansky had put in a blistering descent down the Col d'Allos to come within a minute and a half of the Giant-Alpecin man, Simon Geschke.  With just a kilometer of road left to go, he was praying he could close the final forty seconds and claim a stage for his team.  With the abandonment of his countryman, Tejay van Garderen (BMC),Talansky was hoping to bring some joy to the American fans from the United States.  Most likely, there just isn't enough road left to race for him to catch the fleeing German.

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, www.richesonart.com.  They are a small family run art supply company that really does have excellent art making materials.  This painting, and in fact all of my cycling artwork, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay however, since it is an original painting, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2583574-113-210122/Painting.html#.VbASavlVikr

Tour de France, Stage 15: All Back Together

As the two escapees swung in to the Rhone Valley, along the banks of the river, it wasn't much longer before they were reeled back in by the peloton.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) and Matteo Trentin (Etixx Quickstep) knew it was a long shot to stay away, but they still couldn't have been pleased to see the front wheels of the peloton on the valley road.  With Mark Cavendish (Etixx Quickstep) off the pack of the peloton by over ten minutes, every sprinter was feeling that they finally had a chance to take out a stage victory.  Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) road on the front with the help of Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) winding up the pace for their respective sprinters.  I don't understand why everyone was excited to have Cavendish gone, the sprinter who has more stage wins in this Tour, was still near the front of the peloton, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quller brushes from the family run art supply company, Jack Richeson & Company, www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting and all of my Tour de France cycling art is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay however, since this is an original one of a kind work of art, when it has been sold, there won't be another one to be had.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2582220---210122/Painting.html#.Vav85PlViko

Tour de France, Stage 15, Chasing Through Town

With the peloton closing in on the early break of the day, first Matteo Trentin (Etixx Quickstep) took off in search of a stage victory.  Shortly afterwards a former winner of the Giro d'Italia, Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) took off in search of the Italian.  More likely than not, the effort by the two men was a fool's errand, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.  And it is true that two men together will be able to sustain a longer effort than either one going it alone.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quller brushes from the family run art supply company, Jack Richeson & Company, www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting and all of my Tour de France cycling art is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay however, since this is an original one of a kind work of art, when it has been sold, there won't be another one to be had.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2582202---210122/Painting.html#.Vav6b_lViko

Tour de France, Stage 13: Slightly Different Terrain

After three grueling days in the Pyrennes, the riders were treated to what should have been an easy day.  However, nothing is easy in the Tour.  The early break of six including, Wilco Kelderman (LottoNL-Jumbo), Nathan Haas, (Cannondale Garmin) and local boy Alexandre Geniez (FDJ).  Supposedly Geniez was schooled in the starting town of Muret and raised in the finishing town of Rodez.  I am sure he entertained thoughts of winning a stage of the Tour de France on the very roads that he has trained on all of his life.  Making the stage hard were the rolling hills, the cross winds on the tops of the ridges and the oppressive heat.  It has been calculated that each rider needs about four gallons of water to drink and to pour over themselves in an attempt to keep their core cool.  Kelderman is doing just that.

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.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting so when it is gone, it is gone.  I would advise against delaying if you see one you want.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2581546---210122/Painting.html#.ValOqPlViko

Tour de France, Stage 12: At the Back of the Peloton

For those who lined the side of the road to watch the Tour go by, it is quite the party.  Many have camped for days just to catch a glimpse of their cycling heros.  I, and the cameramen of the Tour, where intrigued by the group of bikini clad women and nearly naked men on the roof of the vintage VW Microbus.  The red bib numbers on the back of Dan Martin (Cannondale Garmin) marks him as the most aggressive rider of the previous days stage.  Martin twice road across large gabs between groups on the road to claim is second second place finish of the 102nd Tour de France.  While I am sure he was honored to be given the title of Most Aggressive, I am sure he would have preferred the stage victory more.

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes that came from Jack Richeson & Company (www.richesonart.com), a small mid western family run art supply company with excellent art supplies.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.  Don't delay, it is a one of a kind original painting, so when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2581402---210122/Painting.html#.VahffvlViko

Tour de France, Stage 11: Still One More

Dan Martin (Cannondale Garmin) who had made a spectacular bridge across from the peloton to the break away up the Col d'Aspin, was the first to summit that Col.  He then hung with the lead group up the Col du Tourmalet until the last kilometer of the group.  Well technically, he did hold on to the group, he just wasn't able to go with the attacks put in by Rafal Majka (Tinkoff Saxo) and Serge Pauwels (MTN-Qhubeka).  Both Majka and Pauwels slipped away from the others and gained more time on the fast descent off of the Tourmalet.  Pauwels couldn't hold onto Majka across the valley, and Martin was able to catch the Belgium on the final climb up to the finishing line, but just didn't have enough road to catch the climber from Poland.

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 is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for just $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, this is a one of a kind original, so once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2581040---210122/Painting.html#.VacpJvlViko

Tour de France Stage 11 I Can't Go W\with You

With the early break almost four minutes up the road, Dan Martin (Cannondale Garmin) jumped out of the peloton in search of the men up the road.  He was joined by Andriy Grivko (Astana) but as the pair where about half way up the Col d'Aspin, Grivko seemed to be losing steam.  As Martin flicked his elbow, a sign for the rider behind to come around and take a pull, Grivko stayed where he was.  After a few more elbow flicks, Martin turned around and Grivko gave him the hands to the neck symbol, I am done for.  Martin thin jumped on the pedals leaving the Astana rider to be picked up by the peloton, as he went on in search of the top of the climb.

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 is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for just $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, this is a one of a kind original, so once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2580858---210122/Painting.html#.VaauwPlViko

Tour de France Stage 10: At the Bottom

With the duo still almost three minutes ahead, the peloton was flying along as each team worked to put their man in the best possible position for the first Haute Catagorie climb of the Tour.  The big names of the race had all marked this climb up the Col de Soudet as were they wanted to take time out of the race leader, Chris Froome (Team Sky).  It was going to be a tall order to put time into the Kenyan born climber wearing the Maillot Jaune, but it had to be attempted.  As they hit the bottom of  the climb, Movistar, Cannondale Garmin and Tinkoff Saxo were the teams on the front putting in a hard pace to soften up their rivals.

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, www.richesonart.com.  They are a small family run art supply company with some fabulous supplies for artists and crafters alike.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, this is an original painting, so there is only one like it.  When it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2580512---210122/Painting.html#.VaVsmPlViko

Tour de France Stage 8: 100% of the Work

For the first time in this year's Tour, Cannondale Garmin came to the front of the peloton to chase down the new group of escapees.  The final ramp up the Mur de Bretagne to the line was tailor made for the Irishman on the team, Dan Martin.  As an artist who loves cycling, I have to say that the new kit for the team is far superior to their colors from last year.  Nice to see the blue from Garmin Sharp back onto the sleeves of the jersey.

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, in fact all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, since this is a one of a kind original, once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2579330---210122/Painting.html#.VaGDIflViko

Giro Stage 20: Something to Fight For

This group had managed to drop Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) along with some others whose absence would effect the general classification for most of this very select quintet.  Fabio Aru (Astana) with his teammate on his wheel were over four minutes behind the Maglia Rosa, so while they were gaining time on Contador, it was unrealistic to think that one of them might actually reclaim the coveted Pink Fleece.  For Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) this group meant that he now has a very real chance of finishing in the top five, two minutes more and he might even make the top four.  For the yellow clad Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Soudal) he was looking for that elusive stage win, and even had a long shot at reclaiming his Maglia Azzurro.  Finally, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep) was reclaiming his honor, health, and had the strongest sprint of the group and could therefore honestly hope for the first stage win for himself and his team.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561508---184157/Painting.html#.VWqxvs9Viko

Giro Stage 20: A Monster of a Ride

The final section of the penultimate climb of the Giro was some of the worst surfaces for bike racing, out done only by the famed pave sections of Paris Roubaix.  However this road was also on a 10% average gradient, whereas those of Northern France are straight and flat.  Both race courses come with thousands of yelling, costumed fans, many of whom are considerable less than sober as well.  Today the peloton found it self negotiating the winds and exposed crags above the tree line and into the remaining pockets of last winter's snow.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) has truly come into his own over the last week of the Giro, climbing not only mountains but the general classifications standing as well.  Tucked onto the resurgent Canadian's wheel is another who's final days of the Giro are far superior to the opening days, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep).  Both men should move even further up the GC based on their efforts today.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561498---184157/Painting.html#.VWqrYM9Viko

Giro Stage 20: Hard Ride & Bad Road

The final day of climbing for the 98th Giro d'Italia feature a very long, steep climb to the highest point of the entire race.  The final section of the climb of the Colle Delle Finestre was a 10 kilometer stretch of unpaved, dusty, rutted one lane track that challenged the riders stability and their climbing legs.  Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) worked hard to keep those he had dropped earlier from catching back onto his wheel.  At his point, Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) was closing back to the Dutchman.  Hesjedal had the Maglia Rosa of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) glued onto his wheel, with the Astana duo of Fabio Aru and Mikel Landa just behind the man in pink.  It seems cruel that the 30 kilometer banner should be sponsored by an Italian beer company.  I am sure most of the peloton was lusting for a cold beer after a long, hot, dusty day in the saddle.  Bicycling Magazine claims that a beer after a hard ride is a perfect recovery drink.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561494---184157/Painting.html#.VWqnnc9Viko

Giro Stage 20: Attacking the Mountain

Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) has been having a "almost" Giro.  The Dutchman has been in multiple breakaways that have succeed all the way to the line, although he has only managed a second place on each of two stages.  One of those second places put him into the lead of the King of the Mountains competition, only to have the Blue Jersey taken from him yesterday by Giovanni Visconti (Movistar).  Today he was hell bent on taking back the jersey and claiming a stage victory.  On the last remaining stretch of hard surface road on the way up the Colle Delle Finestre, Kruijswijk attacked those that were left of the breakaway.  With Tanel Kangert (Astana) stuck on his wheel, he managed to escape from both Benat Intxuasti (Movistar) and Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin).  With seven more kilometers to the summit of this climb and then another 12 kilometers of climbing up to the mountain top finish, it was a tall order to achieve both of his goals for the day.

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.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561486---184157/Painting.html#.VWqk5c9Viko

Giro Stage 19: Fighting for the Stage

Surprisingly, it was Fabio Aru (Astana) that was able to go with the quickly escaping Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin).  Equally unsuspected was Mikel Landa (Astana), Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) who couldn't respond (or chose not to) to the duo's assault on the final climb of the day.  Aru's counter attack shucked the lanky Canadian from his wheel and go on to claim his first stage in the 98th Giro d'Italia.  The victory had to sooth some of the bruising had taken over the last couple of days.  I'm sure it left in no doubt who the rightful team leader should be on the Kazakhstani team.  For his part, Hesjedal moved himself further up the standings, but had to accept second place on the stage.  He can celebrate moving from 9th overall up to 7th even if he didn't get to raise his arms in victory at the line in Cervinia.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 19: He's the First to Attack

Once the elite of the 98th Giro d'Italia had put Giovanni Visconti (Movistar) and Pavel Kochetkov (Katusha) back into the peloton (and right back out the other end), those on the business end of affairs knew that there was a stage victory for the one who could get away.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) has just been getting stronger and stronger as the Giro nears its final stage.  With about 10 kilometer to the summit and the finish line on the day, he was the first to jump away from the those on the top of the leader board.  Hesjedal was in the position to move further up the GC himself since the man ahead of him by seven seconds was already over a minute behind this talent group.  The first to try and counter the Canadian's move was the Maglia Rosa himself, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo).  Once Contador chased, Mikel Landa and his teammate, Fabio Aru (Astana) along with the Maglia Azurro, Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) had to jump onto the Spaniard's wheel.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 18: Come On, Do a Bit of Work

First, it is truly amazing just how much stronger Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) is getting in the final days of the 98th Giro d'Italia.  Today, the Canadian chased down Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) as the man in the Maglia Rosa was trying to put as much time into his rivals as possible.  Near the summit of the Monte Olongo, the duo caught up to Davide Villella (Cannondale Garmin).  As the now trio headed down the other side of the mountain, Hesjedal was frustrated that Contador would not pull through and do a bit of the work.  Contador had less to gain, but should have been willing to assist the Cannondale Garmin boys.  Contador could stretch his lead and Hesjedal was looking to move up a couple of places on the GC.  With the pair sharing rivals, it seemed to Hesjedal that they should be allies for the day.

It was a nice touch that this debate took place as they sped pass race fans who had taken the time to festoon the road with pink balloons and hand made decorations.  The Giro often feels like a big pink rolling party.

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,  They are a lovely family run art supply business with some really fine products.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2560834---184157/Painting.html#.VWfacM_BzGc

Giro Stage 16: Off on His Own

Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) used his descending skills to leave his breakaway companions and head off on his own.  The Canadian but two minutes between himself and the rest of those on the road as he climbed up to Aprica for the first time.  The course took the peloton through the early ski town before swinging back down to the valley and up the biggest climb of the Giro.  The competitors would then drop back off of the Passo del Mortirolo before climbing back up to Aprica for the second time.  This time their long day of five categorized would be over.  Along the road various race sponsors will set up inflatable advertisements like this one celebrating the bike saddle company, Selle Italia.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  The 4"x6" painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular art work for $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559962---184157/Painting.html#.VWUG7_lViko

Giro Stage 16: Working Their Way Up

It was certain that there would be an early breakaway.  The sixteenth stage of the 98th Giro d'Italia started with a 14 kilometer climb to the top of Campo Carlo Magno.  This rather large group got away from the peloton on the climb and then pressed on on the descent.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) led the group that included Przemyslaw Niemiee (Lampre), Brent Bookwalter (BMC) and Edoardo Zardini (Bardiani CSF) among others.  Hesjedal has been showing all that he gets stronger and stronger as a Grand Tour enters the final week.  The riders faced rather cold and wet conditions, but nothing like the snow storms that have plagued the Giro in the previous two years.  That was by design, the race has stayed below the snow line, although just barely today.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  The 4"x6" painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular art work for $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559958---184157/Painting.html#.VWUE1vlViko

Giro Stage 15: Hunting Alone

Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) apparently got frustrated with the slow pace of the chasing group that was two minutes behind the Gruppo Maglia Rosa.  He sprang out of the group of chasers and went off alone in hopes of catching those up the road.  At this point on the long straightaway he can just see them making the sweeping right turn.  Hesjedal is not having the best of Giro's, certainly not coming close to his overall victory in 2012.  Sadly, this is as close as the Canadian got to the Maglia Rosa both the wearer or perhaps the chance of wearing it.

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.  They are a small family run art supply company that have incredible quality art supplies.  You can find them on the web at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  All of my small cycling watercolors are $50 USD plus shipping (including international shipping), including this one.  While you are at the website, why not take the time to look at all of the artwork on offer?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559470---184157/Painting.html#.VWKEk_lViko