Dauphine, Stage 1: You're Doing Great

Just like many of the Tour de France hopefuls, I like to use the Criterium du Dauphine to test my form as I prepare for the Tour.  Many of the marquee riders will come to this race to see how their preparations are going ahead of the most popular of the three grand tours.  Today it was a four man break that soon became this trio of riders.  Brent Van Moer (Lotto Soudal) drops back from is companions, Cyril Gautier (B&B Hotels) and Patrick Gamper (Bora-Hansgrohe), for a few words of encouragement from his sports director.  Since I paint these works in real time, I had little idea just how prophetic this title might be (but more on that later).

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth watercolors 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/Criterium-du-Dauphine/3814155-85-185083/Painting/youre-doing-great-cd21-1.html

Tour, Stage 1: First KOM

While checking over his shoulder just to make sure, Fabien Grellier (Total-Direct Energie) claimed the first King of the Mountain points atop the Cote de Rimiez.  He was challenged by Cyril Gautier (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept) who claimed the remain single point towards the Maillot a Pois.  Third over the top was Mcihael Schar (CCC) and since it was a Category 3 climb, he was left without points for this summit.  Don't worry for Schar, he got maximum points on the final climb, and on count back that gave him the first Polka Dot Jersey of the 2020 Tour.

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/Tour-de-France-2020/3683695-2-282744/Painting/first-kom-tdf20-2.html

Paris Nice, Stage 7: In Pursuit

This trio comprised of Cyril Gautier (Ag2r La Mondiale), Quentin Pacher (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) and Diego Ulissi (UAE Abu Dhabi) were trying to chase down the lone Frenchman who was just up the road.  The three certainly had the advantage of numbers now that the four had reached the valley roads ahead of the final climb up the Col de la Couillole.  Unfortunately for them, the peloton wasn't far behind, and all of the General Classification were looking to use the mountain top finish to put time into their rivals.

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%20/2932577-368-195767/PaintingIn%20Pursuit%20PN17-32.html

Tour, Stage 5: Those Inbetween

As if proving that the three up the road were right to go, the remaining six in the break quickly dropped back towards the peloton.  Those who had hoped to light up the stage included the Polish National Champion, Rafael Majka (Tinkoff), Florian Vachon (Fortuneo Vital Concept), Cyril Gautier (AG2R) and BArosz Huzarski (Bora Argon 18).  Majka is chatting with his Director Sportif trying to figure out if it is worth spending the energy to chase those ahead.  Or perhaps to press on and hope to stay away from the peloton that is over nine minutes behind.  I think that those in this group were going to follow Majka's lead.  He is a former winner of the King of the Mountains competition in the Tour.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

To buy this painting, follow this link:  http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2819863-28-224974/PaintingThose%20Inbetween%20TdF28-Greig-Leach.html#.V32EmLgrLIU

Dauphine, Stage 5: The Flat Before the Climb

While the race had already been over six categorized climbs, it was still the flat piece of road before the final climb of the day.  At least once they summit the next climb, they will have almost twenty hours before they will have to ride up another mountain.  This was the last of those that had formed the early break of over twenty riders, this quintet was comprised of Cyril Gautier (Ag2r La Mondiale), Dayer Quintana (Movistar), Andriy Grivko (Astana), Bartosz Huzarski (Bora-Argon 18) and Enrico Gesparotto (Wanty-Groupe Gobert).  At this point they still had roughly two minutes on those behind, but the 15 kilometers of climbing to come could eat that time up rather quickly.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2806603-64-185083/Painting.html#.V1uxNvkrLIU

Dauphine, Stage 3: Not Fast Enough

Dimtri Claeys (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) wasn't happy with the effort nor the speed that his fellow break away riders were putting in.  He swung over to the right side of the road, looking hard into the eyes of his compatriots, trying to ascertain whether it was lack of desire or lack of energy that held them back.  Leading the rest of the group was the Frenchman, Cyril Gautier (Ag2r) followed by Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and the champion of the Netherlands, Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep).  At this point the peloton had closed to within a minute and a half of this foursome.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  While you are on the site, be sure to check out my other works of art and my two cycling books.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Bear in mind that this is a one of a kind original and once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2804797-52-185083/Painting.html#.V1hgTZErLIU

Tour de France, Stage 18: Chasing One Man

With their countryman Romain Bardet (Ag2r) up the road, the quartet of Cyril Gautier and Pierre Rolland from Europcar, along with Bob Jungels (Trek Factory Racing) and Winner Anacona (Movistar) chased as hard as they could.  The final climb up Lacets de Montvernier was a new one to the Tour having never been scaled by the peloton, or any other Pro Tour race.  It was an amazing zig zagging scaling of a cliff wall that included 17 switchbacks to reach the top.  Fortunately, these men in spandex didn't have to come down this "Jacob's Ladder".  Try as they might the loan Frenchman continued to pull away from this foursome, even on the climb.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Co., www.richesonart.com.  They are a small US based family run art supply company that has really wonderful products for art making.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Be aware that because it is an original one of a kind work, once it has sold it is gone. So, don't delay.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2584034-122-210122/Painting.html#.VbFLhflViko

Tour de France, Stage 13, Can We Stay Away?

This trio comprised of Wilco Kelderman (LottoNL-Jumbo), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Cyril Gautier (Europcar), is the stronger half of the original break away.  The break was established with less than half of a kilometer covered in the stage.  Now with less the two kilometers of the 198 of the stage left to go Kelderman was looking over his shoulder to see if they had enough of a gab to stay away until the end.  I am not sure he was going to like what he would see.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting so when it is gone, it is gone.  I would advise against delaying if you see one you want.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2581560---210122/Painting.html#.ValSr_lViko

Paris Nice Stage 6: Preparing to Descend

The riders have to get ready to descend off of the high climbs.  They heat up with the effort of the climb often sweating despite the cold, so it is important to keep the cold wind of the fast descent from chilling their lungs.  So will still climbing, with the summit literally around the corner, Luis Angel Mate (Cofidis) sits up to zip up.  Mate along with his teammate Nicolas Edet are some of the members of a rather large break away that includes, Cyril Gautier (Europcar), Jack Bauer (Orica GreenEdge), and Jon Izaquirre, the Spanish National Champion on Team Movistar.

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.  If you are enjoying reading about this race 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 most every online bookseller around the world, so just google the title to find where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525766---195767/Painting.html#.VQSUh47F-xU

2014 UCI Worlds: I Can Do This!

As he looked back over his shoulder with just over a kilometer to go this time, he could see a small group closing in.  And the peloton not far behind them.  He saw that former World Champion, Philippe Gilbert (Belgium) was leading, Cyril Gautier (France) and the two Spaniards, Roaquim Rodriquez and Alejandro Valverde, back towards his wheel.  With just about another 4 or 5 minutes of effort, Michal Kwiatkowski (Poland), must have been thinking, "I can do this!"  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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/2014%20World%20Championships/2443438---202544/Painting.html#.VCi1Ps_D_IU

2014 UCI Worlds: Pushing Their Advantage

With Tony Martin (Germany) pulled back into the fold, it was time for this year's king of the breakaway, Alessandro De Marchi (Italy) to toss his hat into the ring.  Or perhaps his wheel into the wind?  De Marchi was quickly joined in the effort on the penultimate trip up the steep final climb on the 18 kilometer lap by Cyril Gautier (France) and Matti Breschel (Denmark).  The trio presented a serious threat to the peloton that was scrambling behind to get the chase organized.  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.  While you are there, be sure to check out my soon to be released, "Book de Tour."  It is a collection of my paintings and writings of the 101st Tour de France, a race and a book were De Marchi is well represented.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/2014%20World%20Championships/2443420---202544/Painting.html#.VCiry8_D_IU

Tour Stage 19: Leading the Way

The final day of open road racing was greeted by yet more rain.  More rain and the regular early break with some of the usual players for the long shot.  The peloton was guided through the course by a five man escape group that included some of the usual suspects, Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling), Cyril Gautier (Europcar), Tom Jelte Slagter (Garmin Sharp) and Rein Taatamae (Cofidis).  The only new guy to the party was the Bretagne-Seche man, Arnuad Gerard.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Stave Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available through my artist website, www.greigleach.com and will be included in my soon to be self published complete collection of my paintings of the 101st Tour de France, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book project, to pre order your copy, or to discover how you can become a part of bringing this art of cycling to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some fabulous Backer Rewards for those who choose to pledge to the Kickstarter "Book de Tour" project for as little as $5 USD.  Every level of support will get your name printed on the Special Thanks page of the book.  To purchase this painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2408440-145-138-199992/Painting/Sports.html#.U9MsM8_D_IU

Tour Stage 16: You Want to Keep That Up?

As this foursome climbed up the HC Category Port de Bales, both Europcar riders, Thomas Voeckler and Cyril Gautier, as well as Jose Serpa (Lampre-Merida) kept attacking each other.  The older and perhaps calmer Mick Rodgers (Tinkoff Saxo) would ride back onto the wheel of whomever put in the most recent attack.  Finally, most likely annoyed with the efforts of the others, he went on his own attack.  Looking over his shoulder at the others he seemed to ask, "Are you sure you want to keep doing that?"  Rodgers had taken two stages in the most recent Giro d'Italia under similar circumstances, so he was confident in his ability to leave the others behind.  Voeckler had claimed victory the last two times the Tour finished at the base of the climb, so he wasn't lacking confidence either.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  This painting and all of my art of the 101st Tour de France will be included in my soon to be self published book, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book, to pre order your copy, or to discover how you can be a part of bring the 2014 edition of the Tour de France to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some wonderful Backer Rewards starting as low as $5 USD, and at only $25 USD the reward includes an artist signed copy of the book.  Everyone who pledges their support will see their name in print on the Special Thanks page in "Book de Tour."  If you would like to purchase this painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't you want a copy of the book as well?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2406686---199992/Painting.html#.U87s0s_D_IU

Tour Stage 16: Dancing Up the Mountain

The longest stage of the Tour de France, 237.5 kilometers, feature five categorized climbs, the final a Haute Categorie monster.  Astana and the peloton was happy to let a large break away get up the road, they had no worries about the Maillot Jaune, as not one of the 21 riders in the break represented a threat to Vincenzo Nibali, or any of the top ten on GC tucked into the peloton.  The break was bound to fall apart once they got to the fourth climb of the day.  It was on the way up the Col des Ares that the attacking started, with the ever aggressive Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) being the first to try and dance away when the road pointed up.  Voeckler has won twice before in the finishing town of Bagneres-de-Luchon and was riding in hopes of making it a third in a row, a feat not accomplished since 1961.  Europcar was well position to make the move having put three men clad in dark green into the break.  So it was Voeckler along with Cyril Gautier (Europcar) on the front of the group joined by Jose Serpa (Lampre-Merida) and Jan Bakelants (OPQS) as they toiled up the climb.  The break had built up an eleven minute lead on the disinterested peloton, so it was safe to assume they were racing for the stage victory.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will be included in my soon to be self published art book of the 101st Tour de France, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book project, to pre order your copy, or to discover how you can become involved in bringing this most unpredictable Tour to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some fabulous incentives to encourage you to back the project starting a just $5 USD, and every backer, regardless of the amount pledge, will have their name in print on the Special Thanks page of the book.  If you would like to purchase this painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post, but wouldn't you like to have a copy of "Book de Tour" as well?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2406660---199992/Painting.html#.U87l9s_D_IU

Tour Stage 11: Thinking About a Stage Victory

Having caught Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling) all five began to think that they had a solid chance of taking the stage victory.  Jan Bakelants (OPQS) had been in this position in 2013 and got the victory.  Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff Saxo) had done much the same, plus had the additional incentive of getting the victory for the team the day after their team leader, Alberto Contador, was forced to abandon the race. Cyril Gautier (Europcar) was looking for the first stage for his team and for his country, as was Elimger and Jon Izaguirre (Movistar).  All the group had to do was hold of the Cannondale lead peloton off of their wheels and then fight it out amongst themselves.  And then there was the final climb up the Cote d'Echallon and the long descent into Oyonnax.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  This painting will be included in my soon to be self published book, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, to pre order your copy, or to discover how you can become part of bringing the tome of the Tour to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  To purchase this painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2403858---199992/Painting.html#.U8dtV8_D_IU

Dauphine Stage 7: Little Help

The penultimate or Queen Stage of the Criterium du Dauphine feature way to many climbs with two Haute Catagorie climbs inside of the last 18 kilometers of the 160 kilometer day.  Once they break away hit the penultimate climb up the Col de la Forclez, the cohesion broke up and the strong men went on the attack.  Cyril Gautier (Europcar) had an ill timed mechanical throwing his arm up for help as Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) went over the top of the Frenchman to catch the wheel of Johan Alaphilippe (OPQS) trying to follow the attacking front of the break away.  This is an original small  watercolor and ink painting that measures 4 inches by 6 inches and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson Company, www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy on this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the 66th Criterium du Dauphine. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2388308---199476/Painting.html#.U6SqQs_D_IU

Liege-Bastogne-Liege: Stomping on the Peddles

Now that the peloton had pulled back the early break, wheeled back in Alex Howes (Garmin Sharp) the attacks started coming fast and furious.  This time it was Vincenzo Niblai (Astana & the 2013 winner of the Giro d'Italia) who jumped away with a couple of riders, and then attacked again.  Only to be matched in the effort by Cyril Gautier (Europcar) and Lars Petter Nordhaug (Belkin Pro Cycling).  Moments later, it was Lars' turn to have a go in search of the two tiny climbers who had escaped on the final recognized climb of the day.  This group was running out of real estate with just 5 kilometers left until the line in Liege.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2354505---195767/Painting.html#.U13Zp8vD_IU

Paris-Nice Final Stage: One for the Home Team

This has been a wonderful Paris Nice for the French.  The French team AG2R claimed the Yellow Jersey for their man, Carlos Betancur, both Team Bretagne and Europcar lit up the breakaways nearly every stage and Sylvan Chavanel wore the Polka Dot Jersey for two days.  But the ultimate feather in the cap was Arthur Vichot (FDJ - another French team) winning on the Boulevard des Anglais wearing the Tri-Colour Jersey of the French National Champion.  This was truly a race for the home team.  It does make you wonder how the French will fair in the Tour de France.  The final standing for Paris Nice were; Carlos Betancur (AG2R) - Yellow Jersey, John Degenkolb (Giant Shimano) - Green Jersey, Pim Ligthat (Lotto Belisol) Polka Dot Jersey, Carlos Betancur (AG2R) - White Jersey (the best placed rider under 24) and Movistar for the best team.

This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2329441---195767/Painting.html#.UyY8uc_D_IU

Tour Stage Twenty: A Little Too Combative

Rolland may have taken the "Most Combative" award a little too far on the third climb of the day.  Anton is a teammate of Nieve, who is just behind Rolland in KOM points and is trying to nip the points away from Rolland as a defensive move.  Rolland wasn't having any of it and swerved off of the wheel of his teammate and blocked Anton's sprint for the summit.  I don't know if he was relegated for this blatant violation of sprinting rules, but the end of the day's events made this action a mute deed in the end.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by visiting my artist website where you can purchase this painting.  Why you are there, why not browse around at all of the art on offer?  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the story of the 100th Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202013/2183707---186227/Painting.html#.UfCWiMvD_IU

Tour Stage Twenty: Staying Loose

These are the second group up the road just dropping off the first climb of the day,  Simon Clarke is just now on the back stretching out his legs for the hard day of climbing ahead.  Fortunately for all involved, it is the last day in the Alps, and the penultimate day of the 100th Tour de France.  This group is about two minutes behind the first four and maybe four ahead of the group with the Yellow Jersey.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase at my artist website.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the 100th Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202013/2183693---186227/Painting.html#.UfCQhMvD_IU