Gent-Wevelgem 23, Men's Race: Long Chase, Short Road

All during the race I have had trouble identifying which rider was whom, I am quite sure I wasn't the only one struggling with the race numbers hidden under various jackets and rain capes.  So I can't say which of the Israel Premier Tech riders was leading the chase (unsuccessfully) of the escapeing duo, but he was being aided by Daniel McLay (Arkea Samsic), Alexis Renard (Cofidis) and Rasmus Tiller (Uno-X).  It was awful nice of Uno-X to give Tiller Norwegian Champion's jacket and vest along with his champion's jersey.  I don't know which of the Bora-Hansgrohe riders is looking back to see if any help was forth coming.  With 14 kilometers left to race, it is very unlikely the couple of seconds they were pulling back were going to get them to the leaders in time, thus the title, "Long Chase, Short Road."

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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3942463-512-195767/Painting/long-chase-short-road-gw23-5.html

 

Paris Nice 23, Stage 2: Wicked Fast

I’ve got to thank Bob Roll for the title of this painting.  He was so impressed with the sprint of Mads Petersen (Trek-Segafredo) that he referred to the Dane as being ‘wicked fast.’  It is normally a Boston area colloquialism, so it was a bit odd coming from the former racer from Colorado.  Pedersen’s stage win and its bonus seconds puts the former world champion into the Maillot Jaune of race leader.  Just out of the frame is Olav Kooij (Jumbo-Visma) finished second, with Magnus Cort (EF Education-EasyPost) finishing out the podium and Daniel McLay (Arkea-Samsic) claiming fourth in Fountainbleu.  Tomorrow it will be a team time trial, so it is highly possible that Trek-Segafredo will keep their guy in yellow.  

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 $90 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3938346-87-272742/Painting/wicked-fast.-pn23-5.html

Tour of Britain, Stage 4: Holding Everyone Off

The Dutch National Champion, Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL Jumbo) went early in his sprint for the line in Builth Wells.  He was able to hold off everyone behind including (in order), Daniel McLay (Team GB), Ben Swift (Sky), Carlos Barbero (Caja Rural Seguros), Julian Vermote (Etixx-Quickstep) holding onto his Yellow Jersey and Boy Van Poppel (Trek-Segafredo).  The pro British commentators were sure it was McLay had taken the victory, even after Groenewegen raised his arm after crossing the line.  They did accept McLay had not won when he was the first to reach out and shake the Dutchman's hand.

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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2848902-55-189075/PaintingHolding%20Everyone%20Off%20ToB29-Greig-Leach.html#.V9DompgrLIU

Tour, Stage 6: Making It Three

Mark Cavendish (Dimension Data) was wise to have saved his energy back in Montbezans.  He had the legs to come around Marcel Kittel (Etixx-Quickstep) and Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) as well as holding off both Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Daniel McLay (Fortuneo Vital Concept).  Apparently the time that Cavendish has spent on the track has revived his sprinting prowess of old.  There have been five group sprints in this Tour and Cav has claimed three of them!  Sagan's sixth place finish meant that not only did Cavendish take the stage, he also reclaimed the Maillot Vert!  In fact, Sagan has now dropped to third in that competition,  I believe that he has never lost the Green Jersey once he pulled it on in any of his previous Tours.  It seems as though nothing is going to go to script in this Tour de France.

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%202016/2820817-40-224974/PaintingMaking%20It%20Three%20TdF40-Greig-Leach.html#.V37Ge7grLIU