Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Deja Vu

Another stage into Nice, another stage with a tough climb near the end, and another stage where Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) drops Kasia Niewiadoma and rides off on her own.  The changes this time are she did it in the Maillot Jaune, she did it on a categorized climb, she did it despite everyone knowing she would, and she did it overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  As she rode along the false flat on the top of the col, she had already but eighteen seconds between herself and her primary rival for yellow.  Regardless of whether Niewiadoma comes back and wins or if Vollering's attack succeeds, we will have the first woman ever to win the Tour de France Femmes for the second time in about twelve kilometers time.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Deja Vu TdFF26-63" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Trading Jabs

As they rode together up the Col d'Eze for the last time, both Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) and Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) each attacked the other, but neither had yet managed to drop the other either.  The title could just as easily refer to the fans on either side of this famous climb.  Although, I don't think I have ever seen this route up to the summit overlooking the sea and Nice before.  Naturally, just after I painted this, Vollering finally dropped Niewiadoma, thus putting to rest the rumors that it was dirty team tactics that had put Vollering into the Maillot Jaune.  After today's repetitive climbs, it was clear that her legs were the reason she was in yellow, and her mind is what is keeping her there.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Trading Jabs TdFF26-62" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Winding Their Way Up

It was just nine women that came to the final ascent of Col d'Eze together... Well, there is one woman still off the front, but she is only about twenty seconds ahead.  This was the last time up, but the first time going this way.  It was a truly stunning climb of steep switch backs line with houses, villas, and apartment buildings all looking back towards the sea.  This is one of those climbs that I like to think I want to try but know I would hate myself about halfway up.  With the exception of the fans on the side of the road, it was just race vehicles and fans back behind the tiny peloton.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Winding Their Way Up TdFF26-61" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Down the Col d'Eze Alone

Isabella Holgren (Lidl-Trek) had attacked the Maillot Jaune group on the third ascent of the Col d'Eze and got away.  She went over the top and started the rather frightening and very fast descent alone.  As she dropped off of the summit she built up a minute's gap on those she had left behind.  She does sit third in the race for the Maillot Blanc of the best young rider, but I doubt she will be able to pull back three minutes with just a final lap left to race.  Still, it is well worth the effort, both of her young rivals also have work to do for their team leaders so they could have to work for the team and not the white jersey dreams.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Down Col d'Eze Alone TdFF26-60" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Above the Sea

You know the song I am referencing with this title... and now it is stuck in your head, too.  On the second trip up the Col d'Eze it was the British Champion Zoe Backstedt (Canyon/SRAM) burying herself for her teammates Antonia Niedwrmaier (in the Maillot Blanc) and Kasia Niewiadoma.  On their wheels are Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) in the Maillot Jaune and Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek).  Under the relentless pace set by Backstedt, many more were dropped from the ever-reducing peloton.  Her pace also meant that she and her teammates need not fear any attacks either.  The added bonus is that they got rid of one of Vollering's strongest teammates.  The flip side is that the British Champion's work meant she was gone at the summit, too.  With two more climbs up Col d'Eze, the last one even steeper, this stage is more about attrition than attacking moves... thus far.

I guess I should mention that the view of the Mediterranean Sea was stunning up here above Nice. 

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Above the Sea TdFF26-58" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: How Much?

As the peloton came through Nice to start the second of four laps, both Malwina Mul (Cofidis) and Paula Ortiz (Movistar) had managed to get off the front of the of the reduced group.  They each peeked to see if they were getting much of an advantage.  Racing through the downtown area it was Ostiz's turned to peer back to assess where the chasers were.  The peloton wasn't too concerned.  The first trip up Col d'Eze had dropped about have of the one hundred and twenty some women who had started the final stage.  It was safe to assume that these two would most likely suffer the same fate.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "How Much? TdFF26-57" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →

Paris Nice '25, Stage 8: Come and Take It

After multiple attacks from the rest of the reduced peloton, it was the Maillot Jaune himself, Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) who went off the front on the Col d'Eze.  As he looked back over his shoulder, he seemed to say to those who would challenge his lead, just try and catch me.  With twenty-five kilometers left in Paris Nice, there were just two guys up the road that might spoil his perfect day.  Despite leading the race by at least thirty-seven seconds on those five seconds or more behind him, he has yet to win a stage in this year's edition of the Race to the Sun.  

He didn't manage to catch both leaders, but he did take second on the stage sealing his second victory in a row of Paris Nice.  There wasn't a great image of his victory salute as he crossed the line twenty-nine seconds behind the stage winner.

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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Come and Take It PN25-35" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Happily, this painting has sold!

Tour '24, Final Stage: A Beautiful Ride

I'm a big fan of titles that have more than one meaning.  This is just such a title.  The roads up above Nice just strike me as a beautiful place to ride a bike.  I imagine they are usually choked with holiday traffic most of the year, but then I've never been all that bothered by traffic.  (to my own down fall on ten different occasions)  And of course, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) has had a beautiful ride around France and parts of Italy.  And finally, he is on one beautiful individual time trial, setting new best times all along the route into Nice. 

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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.  

"A Beautiful Ride TdF24-139" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: Best thus Far

As Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech) crested the summit of the Col d' Eze, he posted the best time at the time check.  He was on a great ride, hoping to erase the twenty-four second deficit that he has to the other Northern American Matteo Jorgenson who sits now in eighth place overall.  His position in the top ten is very secure, but everyone wants to move up and dreads moving down.

He posted the best time when he finished, but he didn't even make it to the hot seat before Jorgenson posted an even faster time less than two minutes later.  So, he will remain nineth on the final classification.

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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Best thus Far TdF24-138" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice 2022: Doing What Must Be Done

Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco) had covered the move by Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) that had dropped the race leader Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and his teammate, Wout Van Aert.  Yates kept going and dropped the Colombian climb as well.  Now he was off on his own with a twenty second lead as he crested the final climb of Paris Nice.  He would need to open up a thrity five second gap and hope that Roglic didn't get any of the bonus seconds on offer at the finish line if he was to take out the final Maillot Jaune.  Two years ago, he had lost the lead in Paris Nice on the final day, so there was some poetic justice to be had if he could take the lead on the final day today.  He was certainly doing what he had to do to bring that about.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes 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/Paris-Nice/3872114-80-272742/Painting/doing-what-must-be-done-pn22-43.html

Paris Nice 2022: It's Up to You

At the steepest section of the final climb of Paris Nice, the Col d'Exe, it was Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) who was the first to attack.  It was just the Jumbo-Visma duo of Primoz Roglic and Wout Van Aert along with the Brit Simon Yates (BikeExchange-Jayco) left with the Colombian climber.  It seems that the Jumbo-Visma riders were looking at Simon Yates to see if he would chase down this attack.  It was looking like they might be on their limit.  But then Roglic has almost two minutes on Quintana, so he didn't really have to chase, but Yates was not as far ahead of the Arkea-Samsic leader.  I honestly think that Yates was sizing up Roglic to see if he could drop the Slovenian in the Maillot Jaune on the way up the Col d'Eze.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes 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/Paris-Nice/3872112-79-272742/Painting/its-up-to-you-pn22-42.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Tete de la Course

Marc Soler (Movistar) decided to play the roll of spoiler on the final kilometers into Nice.  Ironically, after refusing to assist Contador in the chase earlier, he called unsuccessfully to get his two remaining escapees to aid in his efforts.  Being denied, he attacked near the summit of the Col d'Eze, taking the KOM points (which mattered little to everyone), and the bonus seconds at the final intermediate sprint.  The sprint bonus seconds hurt Contador's bid for Yellow, leaving him only two seconds gained in d'Eze.  Behind, the group containing the Yellow Jersey was slowly clawing back precious seconds on the three escapes.  Now they were racing for a stage victory and its bonus seconds.  Should Contador take the stage, the 10 bonus seconds, he would most likely be able to claim the final Maillot Jaune.  Right now, that was in the legs of Soler, but Contador had another rival with him, David de la Cruz (Quickstep).

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932999-378-195767/PaintingTete%20de%20la%20Course%20PN17-42.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: Chasing

With the surprise attack of the duo from Trek-Segafredo but the Maillot Jaune of Sergio Henao (Sky) into some serious jeopardy, in fact, at this point Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) was the virtual leader of the race on the road.  Henao had started with a 31 second buffer on the former winner of Paris Nice (and a great deal of other major races), so he need to be very aware of the time splits going forward.  And he needed to pay attention to any bonus seconds Contador may be able to pick up at the intermediate sprint or the finish.  Behind the Maillot Jaune, many were defending their positions and unwilling to assisted the Colombian.  On his wheel was the Basque Jon Izauirre (Bahrain Merida), the Maillot Vert of Julian Alaphilippe (Quickstep) follow by yesterday's stage winner, Richie Porte (BMC) and Jakob Fulgsang (Astana).  In the distance you can make out the sole figures of other riders that were finding the final climb of Paris Nice just too, too much.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932985-377-195767/PaintingChasing%20PN17-41.html

Paris Nice, Final Stage: The Fruit of His Labors

Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) had ridden hard in the 7th stage of the race and was rewarded with the Polka Dots of the King of the Mountain for his labors.  Not willing to wear the jersey for just one day (as Axel Domont (Ag2r La Mondiale) had prior to surrendering it to Calmejane), he got himself over the tops of the first four climbs on the day, thus ensuring that he will finished the day as the over all winner of the King of the Mountains once he crosses the line in Nice.  Calmejane had the advantage of being shepherded by the very experienced and successful Sylvain Chavanel.  Riding in this group at the start of the final climb, Col d'Eze were Julien El Fares (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) and surprisingly the sprinter, Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Merida).

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932974-376-195767/PaintingThe%20Fruit%20of%20His%20Labors%20PN17-40.html

Paris Nice Final Stage: Climbing Into Yellow

Richie Porte (Team Sky) resplendent in his National kit of the Australian Time Trial Champion started the day in second overall hoping to make up over 30 seconds on the Lotto Soudal Frenchman, Tony Gallopin.  Porte was confident he could get into the final Maillot Jaune having scaled the final road stage climb 25 seconds faster than his adversary.  Like his teammate, Geraint Thomas, Porte fell hard on the descent off of that mountain but was fortunate to jump back up uninjured.  Obviously as indicated by the spectators in serious rain gear, it wasn't the best conditions to race in, but Porte could take comfort knowing that today's climb would not be followed by a descent.  Porte's ride was enough to condition the recent tradition of whomever wins this time trial also wins the Race to the Sun.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525984---195767/Painting.html#.VQXPUo7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Driving All the Way

Simon Slipak (Katusha) drives hard on the pedals willing himself faster as he rounds the final corner of the climb and of Paris Nice.  Slipak's effort was enough to register the newest best time on the stage.  Unlike the best times before him, he only has a couple of guys following him up the hill.  Regardless of where he places on the stage, his ride has been enough to get him onto the podium at the final awards presentation at the end of the day.  Behind him one of the Gendarmerie directs his team car out of the finishing straight.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525982---195767/Painting.html#.VQXM347F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: It's Up to Him

Tony Gallopin (Lotto Soudal) had a tall order to out ride the talented Richie Porte (Team Sky) who was ahead of him on the road and behind him on the general classification.  Gallopin captured the Maillot Jaune on a brilliant aggressive ride over multiple mountains and a very well timed attack on the final climb of the final road stage.  The Frenchman put everything into putting as much time into the other contenders, perhaps a little too much.  The Lotto Soudal team leader is not the caliper of those behind him on the GC when it comes to time trialing as proven by his intermediate time check that was 58 seconds behind Porte's time.  Enough of a time difference to lose yellow, now he is racing just to finish on the podium.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525978---195767/Painting.html#.VQXKqI7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Down the Ramp

Each time trialer is held upright as he waits for the official to count down his (or her) start.  The racers will roll down the ramp and onto the course getting into their aerodynamic tuck as quickly as possible.  Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) has quite a bit to ride for today, he is hoping to get onto the podium at the end of the day, but a roughly twenty minute all out effort of climbing looms in the way of the goal.  Thomas was one of those who crash on the final descent into Nice on the final road stage of the race, hopefully he is not too sore to put in a good ride today.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525970---195767/Painting.html#.VQXIEI7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Finishing in Polka Dots

Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) was one of the few riders who knew that the jersey he started the time trial with would still be his at the end of the day.  De Gendt had worked hard yesterday to make sure that he would go out as the King of the Mountains in the 72nd Race to the Sun, or as the reflective water on the road shows, the Race to the Rain.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525962---195767/Painting.html#.VQXFXI7F-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Picking Them Off

When you watch Tony Martin (Etixx Quickstep) in an individual time trial, you know you will watch him catch rider after rider that have started ahead of him.  The current German National Time Trial Champion and three time World Time Trial Champion did not disappoint again today, even with the eight kilometers of pure uphill course climbing the Col d'Eze just outside of the city of Nice.  Martin is catching the second man ahead of him in the start time list on his way to posting yet another new best time.  However, there are some very strong men with quite a bit riding on their finishing times yet to roll down the start ramp.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525960---195767/Painting.html#.VQXCY47F-xU