Dauphine Final Stage: Somebody Pull Through

Romain Bardet (AG2R) kept flicking his elbow (the sign for the rider behind to pull through) and neither Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Lotto-Belisol) or Andrew Talansky (Garmin Sharp) weren't having anything to do with putting their noses in the wind.  Bardet looked over his shoulder in disbelief, begging the others to do some work.  The two behind him at as much if not more to gain than he did so he had every right to expect them to do some of the effort.  Bardet had Wilco Kelderman (Belkin Pro Cycling) behind him, so was in search of the White Jersey, but then Talansky and Broeck were ahead of those above them on GC, at this point the American riding for Garmin Sharp was in the virtual Yellow Jersey.  This is an original watercolor and ink small painting that is available to own through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  By the way, I do ship any where in the world, good luck.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2389656---199476/Painting.html#.U6cAXs_D_IU

Dauphine Final Stage: Raining on Sky's Parade

When Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) counter the Team Sky attack, the former holder of the Malliot Jeune, Chris Froome (Team Sky) wasn't able to answer the Spaniard's acceleration, even with the help of his faithful lieutenants, Richie Porte and David Lopez.  Today was the first and only day of rain that fell on the peloton it somehow seem apropos to what was being played out on the roads up to Courchevel.  By this point, Contador had already gained a minute on Froome, but an even bigger story was playing out further up the road.  This is an original watercolor and ink small painting that 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/Dauphine%202014/2389652---199476/Painting.html#.U6b-18_D_IU

Dauphine Final Stage: Attack & Cover

Shortly after the broadcast came on air, Team Sky played their second card, the first being putting two guys into the early break, more about that break shortly.  The second was to attack the peloton and more importantly Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) just at the start of the penultimate climb of the day and the race.  For a couple of minutes it looked like Sky had the measure of Contador who had been left isolated without any teammates.  Simon Geraints and Richie Porte were their to try and pull there man back into the Malliot Jeune.  As to the break away, it is beyond me why Team Sky and Tinkoff Saxo let a break form that contained most of the other GC riders.  They let 3rd through 7th places amongst others get a 2 minute head start up the Cote de Montagny.  Was it over confidence or was it exhaustion?  I image the post race interviews will provide the answer.  This is an original watercolor and ink painting measuring 4"x6" and is available to 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.  Shipping is available internationally.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2389646---199476/Painting.html#.U6b9U8_D_IU