US Pro Challenge Stage 2: Despite It All

Despite all of the drama of stopping the race, the slippery descent off of Kaliber Pass into Crested Butte, it was still Robin Carpenter (Hincapie Sportswear) who raised his arms in a joyous victory salute on the summit of Mount Crested Butte.  Two others profited, Tejay van Garderen (BMC) was able to put time into the rest of the favorites and Alex Howes (Garmin Sharp) took over the Yellow Jersey.  Oddly the stoppage in the valley became the final times for the riders on the stage which I am sure further angered the riders who had just raced hard up the short steep climb.  Carpenter had the stage win either way the first to reach the neutralization point and the first to reach the finish line.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  If you would like to purchase this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202013/2422538---201508/Painting.html#.U_VWPc_D_IU

US Pro Challenge Stage 2: Grabbing a Drink

Just a few atypical aspects of this painting, usually road races are conducted on paved roads and despite the quality of its surface, this remains a dirt road.  The other deviation is team cars without the full tricked out paintjobs showing logos, team names and the principle team sponsors.  I assume it was to expensive to bring cars from Europe for the ProTour teams or it was just a chance for a car company to participate as a sponsor.  The latter seems to be the case given the descriptions of the vehicles given by Phil Liggett at some part of each broadcast.  Regardless, the sports director still hands bottles out of the car this time to the inaugural King of the Mountains' Jersey wearer, Ben Jacques-Magnes (Jamis-Hagens Bergman).  The jersey was won on his break away in the opening stage of the Challenge and is being further solidified today.  The only thing that may rain on his parade are the darkening clouds gathering on the horizon.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that 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.  They are only $50 USD, plus shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/US%20Pro%20Challenge%202013/2422516---201508/Painting.html#.U_VPzs_D_IU