Paris Nice Stage 4: What Sky Does

Team Sky is known for this particular tactic.  There is no surprise, nor finesse, and everyone knows what they are doing.  The team is well trained and disciplined, simply riding a hard tempo, slowly working through the domestiques and the rest of the peloton.  Nicholas Roche was the last man left with three kilometers to the summit.  As he began to flag Thomas Geraint was the first to attack the remaining contenders, challenging the isolated TeJay van Garderen (BMC) and others, to pick whether they should counter that move or wait to see what Richie Porte would do.

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Paris Nice Stage 4: Valiantly Defended

Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEdge) had promised to defend his jersey to his absolute limit.  Pledging to pay honor to the jersey, holding onto the peloton until he just couldn't turn over another pedal.  Matthews who has more of a sprinter's build and the accompanying distaste for the step climb, managed to stay with the others until only 6 kilometes left in the stage.  Honor was paid to the Maillot Jaune indeed.  His teammate, Simon Clarke did all he could to keep his compatriot in touch, until Matthews surrendered telling his teammate to go ride for himself.

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com for only $50 USD.  International shipping is available.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you enjoy reading about professional cycling with this accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  It is available through virtually every online bookseller, so google the title to find where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2524500---195767/Painting.html#.VQINYvzF-xU

Paris Nice Stage 4: Almost On

Poor Andrew Talansky (Cannondale Garmin) has the worst luck in Paris Nice.  Today was no exception.  Just before getting to the final climb of the day he had a rear tire puncture.  His teammate, Ben King (who is from my adopted home town) sacrificed a rear wheel to his team leader and sent him on a hard chase to get back onto the peloton.  Two other teammates joined in to help Talansky get back on expending all the energy they had to give.  Talansky made the last effort on his own just as the final climb up to Croix de Chabouret began.

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com for only $50 USD.  International shipping is available.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  If you enjoy reading about professional cycling with this accompanying artwork, please check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  It is available through virtually every online bookseller, so google the title to find where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2524438---195767/Painting.html#.VQHxvfzF-xU