Tour de France 23, Stage 11: He's Still Out There

I'm not sure why Daniel Oss (TotalEnergies) went into the early break away, but deep into the stage he was still out there.  Just a kilometer or two ago, the man who had started the break, Audrey Amador (EF Education-EasyPost) waved his farewell with a smile.  Undaunted, Oss continued on.  He stayed out there until the peloton started revving up the speed for the sprint finale with roughly fifteen kilometers to race.  I seriously doubt he will still be there to lead out Peter Sagan who hopes to win one more stage in the Tour before his retirement at the end of the year.

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 $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3965108-65-297438/Painting/hes-still-out-there-tdf23-65.html

Tour de France 23, Stage 11: A Monumental Task

Unlike the first obvious sprint stage, today three guys went out in the early break away, despite just how big their odds of success were.  It was Andrey Amador (EF Education-EasyPost) was the one to get the effort started.  He was joined by Matis Louvel (Arkea-Samsic), currently on the front and Daniel Oss (TotalEnergies).  It stuck me as a little odd that Oss was out in a break, he is Peter Sagan's lead out man.  I would think he would stay with his team leader in hopes of getting Sagan a stage win in his final Tour de France.  With 130 kilometers to race, the peloton had yet to let them get more than two minutes ahead, so it is just shy of a zero chance that they will contest for stage honors.

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 $95 USD including shipping, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2023/3965091-62-297438/Painting/a-monumental-task-tdf23-62.html

Tour, Stage 3: More Points Everyday

Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) knows more than anyone that it takes gaining points whenever possible to win the Maillot Vert in Paris.  After all, he has won more Sprinter's Jersey than any other cyclists in history (he has also won more World Championships than any other male cyclist).  so it was that he took out the intermediate sprint in Digne Les Bains with the help of his leadout man, Daniel Oss.  On his wheels were Nicolo Bonifazio (Total Direct Energie) and Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) the current wearer of the Green Jersey.  With Kristoff not sticking close to Sagan, he left the door open for Sagan to take the jersey from the Norwegian's shoulders in Sisteron.

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-2020/3688470-21-282744/Painting/more-points-everyday-tdf20-15.html

Milano-Sanremo, Keeping His Distance

Descending off of the Cipressa, Daniel Oss (Bora-Hansgrohe) opened up a rather large gap on the following peloton.  On the way down, he had a near miss with the camera moto, almost coming down on one of the sharp turns on the cliffs over the sea.  Once off the front Oss road hard to keep the peloton from catching him up.  Along the roads, fans safely observed their social distancing (and wore masks) just as Oss kept his social distance from the rest of the race. 

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/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3632941-15-280747/Painting/keeping-his-distance-ms20-4.html

Tour, Stage 11: Rehearsal

I know I have talked about the Maillot Vert and the intermediate sprint points.  Today the guy sitting second overall, Michael Matthews (Sunweb) decided to stop vying for points.  That left the sprint between Elia Viviani (Deceuninck-Quick Step) - out of the picture frame - and Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe).  Sagan was lead out by his teammate Daniel Oss, while it fell to Michael Morkov (in red) to do the leadout for Viviani.  The Italian sprinter took first while Sagan sat up a bit and took third still leaving him with a near insurmountable lead in the competition.

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3361270-56-263530/Rehearsal%20%20TDF19-56.html

This painting has sold!

Tour, Final Stage: Surprising Them All

First it was Peter Sagan's (Bora-Hansgrohe) lead out man, Daniel Oss who jumped free of the peloton as they came up out of the tunnel under the Place du Concorde.  He was joined, and then dropped by Yves Lampaert (Quick Step) with just a kilometer left of the 105th Tour de France.  Lampaert, the Champion of Belgium, had a few seconds as they turned back onto the Champs Elysees.  But it looked liked he might make it, that is until the road started its gentle rise.  The sprinters weren't having it and caught him within sight of the line.  Oss dropped back into the peloton a hundred meters sooner.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2018/3196344-119-251072/PaintingSurprising-Them-All--T18-118.html

Tour, Stage 19: The Struggle Is Real

At this point in the Tour, the struggle is very real, for everyone.  While Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrophe) is suffering from the injuries recieved on a fall two stages ago, everyone from the first to the last on general classification are in a world of hurt - except, possiblily those who have already gone home.  Sagan was struggling up the first big climb up the Col d'Aspin.  He had hurt his gluteous maximus (his butt) and just pedaling was a struggle.  He is being escorted up the climbs by his teammate and friend Daniel Oss.  Others joined the riding wounded and suffering sprinters including Maximiliano Richeze (Quick Step).  Sagan's goal today is to survive, get to the finish before the time limit and try and recover as much as possible.  With an Individual Time Trial tomorrow, he just has to ride as easy as possible and hope he will be ready for the sprint on the Champs Elysee to wrap up the Tour.

This is the painting from this stage that you can watch being created on my You Tube Channel.  I hope you enjoy watching this watercolor come to life as I talk about the Tour, creating successful watercolors and whatever art and cycling issues that come to mind as I paint.  I encourage you to subscribe to the channel so you will know when I post another video of my artistic process.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2018/3195408-100-251072/PaintingThe-Struggle-Is-Real--T18-99.html

Tour, Stage 3 TTT: Still There?

That was the question after the short steep climb ahead of the second time check.  Unfortunatley for Bora-Hansgrohe, the Maillot Jaune of Peter Sagan wasn't.  With the GC hopes of Raphael Majka on the line, those left together, including Daniel Oss and Maciej Bodnar couldn't afford to wait for Sagan.  Don't worry, while he lost the yellow jersey, he held fast to the jersey he has won six times before, the Maillot Vert of most consistant sprinter. 

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2018/3185368-15-251072/PaintingStill-There?--T18-15.html

Bregen 2017, Elite Men's Team Time Trial: Leading on the Cobbles

The organizers of the races in Bergen provided a team time trial course that had absolutely everything for the riders and fans alike.  The riders rode over a beautiful suspension bridge, climb a brutal steep hill, and then twisted their way through a section of cobble stones all on their way to a finish down by the historic harbor - a world heritage site.  BMC Pro Cycling was hoping to reclaim the Gold Medal that they had lost in the dessert of Doha last year and were still showing the best times at the third time check.  As they reached the end of the cobbles their fifth rider, Stafan Kung, signaled that he wasn't going to be able to keep on pace, and then dropped away fron the four remainders.  Going to the line with just four guys, they lost eight seconds to the Sunweb team, settling for their second Silver Medal in a row.  Chapeau to Tejay van Garderen, Rohan Dennis, Daniel Oss and all of the team.

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/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034306-10-239826/PaintingLeading-on-the-Cobbles--Bregen-10.html

Paris Roubiax: Making Them Chase

With his long hair flowing, Daniel Oss (BMC) went off on his own with 36 kilometers left to race.  Oss's move was a great piece of strategy for his team.  Either those behind wouldn't be able to catch the Italian, or in their efforts they would give Oss's teammate, Greg Van Avermaet, a good long rest as the others chased him down.  So this move is clearly a win/win for the Swiss/American team.

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-Classics-/2947357-393-195767/PaintingMaking-Them-Chase-PR17-7.html

Paris Roubaix: Applying Some Pressure

Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe), never one to just sit around and let others dictate the race, went to the front and applied some pressure.  He brought his teammate, Maciej Bodnar, along with Daniel Oss (BMC) and Jasper Stuyvens (Trek-Segafredo).  You can see the escort moto looking back to see what happened to the rest of the peloton.  On the other hand, the women on the side of the road seemed more interested in taking selfies than seeing the giants of cycling ride by.  Perhaps their boyfriends were the ones who were excited to see the race.

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-Classics-/2947332-389-195767/PaintingApplying-Some-Pressure-PR17-3.html

E3 Harelbeke: Hitting Them Hard

It turn out to be the ascent of the Taaienberg where the racing got serious.  It was the five time winner of this race, Tom Boonen (Quickstep) who launched the first serious attack on the peloton.  Qucikly on to the wheel of the big man from Belgium was the Italian, Daniel Oss (BMC).  The pair had gapped the peloton being lead by the World Champion, Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe).  So for the next 70 kilometers, it is time for full on racing.

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%20/2939885-382-195767/PaintingHitting%20Them%20Hard%20E317-3.html

E3 Harelbeke: Pressing Their Advantage

Using the cobbled climb of the Taaienberg, several riders managed to gap the peloton.  Etixx-Quickstep managed to put three riders into the group including Niki Terpstra, Tom Boonen and Matteo Trentin.  Joining them was Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) and Daniel Oss (BMC).  Gesturing to all who would listen was Lars Boom (Astana),  He seemed to be pointing out that Etixx-Quickstep had the numbers so they better do the work.  Shortly after I painted this, my man, Cancellara, had a mechanical and had to wait a long time for his team car to arrive with a new bike for the former Swiss champion.

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.  This 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.

Plus you can see my most recent book at www.artofcycling.bike.  It contains my writings and paintings of the 2015 Road World Championships in Richmond, VA.  It is available through out the world from many different online booksellers or ask your favorite bookstore to order it for you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2752662-299-195767/Painting.html#.Vvd-X_krLIU

Gent-Wevelgem: Putting His Head Down

Once the early break away had been caught, it was time for the serious contenders to try and establish an advantage.  Normally, Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx Quickstep) would be riding for his team sprinter, Mark Cavendish, but the Manx Missile had suffered mechanicals and crashes leaving him well of the pace.  Instead the big Belgium was able to use his familiarity with the conditions to press his own case.  After his move, Daniel Oss (BMC) and Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) put their heads down and went after the fleeing Vandenbergh.

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 $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2534716---195767/Painting.html#.VRmDTPnF-xU

Milano Sanremo: Getting Serious

Daniel Oss (BMC) put in the first serious attack on the peloton.  He was quickly joined by the hot Geraint Thomas (Team Sky).  Thomas has been having a brilliant early season, so the peloton behind had to take this attack seriously.  Milano Sanremo must be one of the most scenic races as it bobs in and out along the Mediterranean coast offering brilliant vistas.  Vistas that the men in spandex don't have the time to take in.

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.  The painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about bike racing this way 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 virtually every online bookseller.  So google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2531056---195767/Painting.html#.VRDTLfnF-xU

Tour Stage 13: The Mountains Await

The peloton as been up a few big hills, mountains by the Island of Great Britain standards. but nothing like what is looming on the horizon.  Stage 13 started relatively easily with a category 3 climb and then a long hundred kilometer flat run at the Alps.  The break and later the peloton would end the day with a Category 1 scaling of the Col de Palaquit follow by a Haute Category trip up to the finish line at Chamrousse.  A nice size group of nine decided they wanted a head start up the first climb.  Alessandro De Marchi started it off at 5 kilometers into the stage and was joined on the first climb by Rudy Molard (Cofidis), Jan Bakelants (OPQS), Giovanni Visconti (Movistar), Bartosz Huzarski (NetApp-Endura), and Daniel Oss (BMC).  Unfortunately for the break, Blel Kadri (AG2R) got himself in with the rest, unfortunate, because he was only ten minutes down on the Maillot Jaune.  Combine that with Katusha missing the move and it was unlikely the group would be allow to stay off of the front.  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.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will be included in my soon to be self published book of the 101st Tour de France art, "Book de Tour."  To learn more about the book project, to pre-order a copy, or to discover how you can be a part of bringing the art of the sport we love to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some excellent incentives for backers at every level starting at $5 USD.  Everyone who backs the project will have their name included in the special thanks page.  If you would like to purchase this painting directly, just follow the link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2404784-95-90-199992/Painting/Sports.html#.U8miZs_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Final Stage: Last Minute Attack

Also using the climb to get away, Daniel Oss (BMC) got away from the peloton on the bell lap and stormed down the back side of the climb towards the finishing line with a small gap on the sprinter's teams.  The climb had slowed up the trains and it took some valuable seconds to figure out who was were and did there man have a chance to get to the line.  Oss used those seconds to his advantage, but never got far enough away to make his break stick.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard (4"x6") that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting you can follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2373982---198213/Painting.html#.U4uPTM_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 17: Their Big Break

Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.  The break away formed around 50 kilometers into the stage today with 26 riders representing all but three of the teams in the race.  Even  Movistar, the team that holds the Maglia Rosa, placed one of their men into the group.  Marco Frapporti (Androni-Giacattoli), the last to get across from the peloton, led this group with Daniel Oss (BMC) on his wheel.   Behind you can make out the Finnish flag on the chest of the Finnish National Champion, Jussi Veikkenan (FDJ).  He has finished doing his pull on the front of the group and now rolls to the back to get shelter from the wind, until it is his turn to stick his nose in the wind again.  By now the break had built up a lead of 13 minutes and the peloton just didn't seemed to want to chase, after all, the highest place rider was over a half hour down on the Maglia Rosa.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting, you can just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2371808---198213/Painting.html#.U4a-Fs_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 17: Comparing Notes

After the day the peloton had yesterday, there was quite a bit to talk about along the roads to Vittorio Venete.  Like any group of cyclist I know, there is lots of talk about the tough rides we have taken and Stage 16 of the Giro d'Italia was one of the toughest, three big climbs and all kinds of weather on top of it.  Oscar Gatto (Cannondale) had the time to regale Daniel Oss (BMC) and Luca Paolini (Katusha) with his take on the intrigue about whether there was a neutralization or not.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard, measuring 4 inches by 6 inches and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com,  Also, this painting, and all of my cycling art, is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Each little painting is only $50 USD.  For this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%27Italia%202014/2371804-103-102-198213/Painting/Sports.html#.U4a3Gc_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 9: Another Day at the Office

At the end of the day, pro cycling is a job.  It just happens to be an exciting one that takes you all over the world and lets you ride your bike everyday.  Once the Maglia Rosa moved over to Cadel Evans (BMC) it became his team mates turn to ride tempo on the front of the peloton and, if necessary, to chase down breaks that threaten his new Pink Jersey.  So as the peloton started up the first climb of the stage it was Daniel Oss & Steve Morabito for BMC that went to the front and raised the pace on the way up to Sant Antonio.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling art, is available for purchase at my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  For this one, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't delay it is a one-of-a-kind painting, so you don't want to miss out.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2365357---198213/Painting.html#.U3kU28_D_IU