Milano-Sanremo, Checking the Gap

While it was a very long day in the saddle, it wasn't until the final 30 kilometers that the race really got going.  This duo of Loic Vliegen (Circus-Wanty Gobert) and Jacop Mosca (Trek-Segafredo) jumped free of the peloton on the penultimate climb of the day, the Cipressa.  Trek-Segafredo kept up the agression sending men up the road one after another.  By the finale, they had four of their six riders go up the road on the attack.  I guess was the thinking was that it would allow for their team leader, Vincenzo Nibali, to have an easier time of it, thus allowing him to be fresher to go for the victory.  Spoiler, it didn't work.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3632933-14-280747/Painting/checking-the-gap-ms20-3.html

Milano-San Remo: Slipping Away

With the peloton catching the last of the early escapees on the lower slopes of the Cipressa (the penultimate climb of the day), it was time for the opportunists to try and surprise the others.  The first to jump free of the rather large peloton was Giovanni Visconti (Movistar).  Visconti's move was quickly covered by Ian Stannard (Sky).  The two opened up a quick 15 seconds on those behind.  They worked together all the way to the top where Stannard led the Italian down the fast, twisting descent.  I couldn't help put notice the bright orange pads that lined most of the corners on the way down.  It was a little distressing to watch one of the men riding for FDJ slam into the pad.  Comforting to know that the pad did the job it was designed for, as he jumped back on his bike and continued racing.

This is a small original watercolor that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watecolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, the painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  The painting is available for sale and can be found by following the direct link at the end of this post.

Be sure to check out my newest cycling book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  The book is available through your favorite book seller worldwide or at my publishers website, www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2747783-294-195767/Painting.html#.Vu93DPkrLIU

Milano Sanremo: Alone on the Cipressa

Matteo Bono (Lampre Merida) pressed on with the advantage that he gained on the Cape Berta.  As he began the ascent of the Cipressa, he found himself on his own.  His only company was a neutral service motorcycling and one of the official's motos that supervise the race along the entire course.  The Cipressa is the penultimate climb of the race so Bono only has the much shorter Piaggio to scale before the line in Sanremo.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is 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.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way with the accompanying artwork please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531040---195767/Painting.html#.VRDQ__nF-xU