Tour '25, Stage 9: For the Second Time

Unfortunately for the early breakaway of Mathieu Van Der Poel and Jonas Rickaert (Alpecin-Deceuninck) Van Der Poel was caught by the charging peloton with roughly 900 meters left to race.  It was a very long shot that may have started as a lark almost came to fruition.  Instead, it was the sprinters who vied to win on the streets of Chateauroux.  The town has given itself the nickname of Cavendish City, since the record holding sprinter had won all three of the sprint stages that ended here.  Without Cavendish still racing, it would be someone new to claim stage honors today.  That honor went to Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) who edged out Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), again! This time it was about a half of a bike length rather than a half inch like Stage 3.  It was Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) getting his sprinting legs turning over taking third followed by Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL).  Sadly, my pick for the stage, Biniam Girmay, could only sprint to sixth not even making into the frame.

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.

"For the Second Time TdF25-57" (Original art by Greig Leach)

TDF, Stage 6: Number 32!

 I, and every other fan of cycling, is thrilled with the story coming out around Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck-Quick Step).  Without a contract at the end of last season, Cav was considering retirement as his only option.  Then the organization that is Deceuninck-Quick Step, the same whom he had ridden for at the beginning of his career decided that they would give him a spot on the team.  Next their sprinter and winner of the Maillot Vert in 2020, Sam Bennett was scratch from their Tour team due to knee problems (and possible bad blood since Bennett is leaving the team at the end of the season).  That meant the Cav got an unexpected chance to return to the race he thought he would never be in again.  Then the day before the time trial he won the stage to literally everyone's delight (even those he beat in the sprint).  That stage victory meant he now had the Maillot Vert that he had one 10 years ago in Paris.  Now today he won yet another stage.  That brings his life time total to 32.  With two more stages he will tie the record of the great Eddy Merckx.  I'm not sure how I feel about that.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available. 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2021-Tour-de-France/3821496-36-291436/Painting/number-32-tdf21-35.html

This painting is sold, but there are prints available at the same link as above.