Gullegem, Women's Cyclocross: Laying on the Power

In the final lap of Gullegem Superprestige series, it was Lucinda Brand (Baloise Glowi Lions) laying down a blistering pace in the mud to pull away from the rest of the field.  By this point, she has put four seconds into her nearest competitor on her way to winning the race.  With this win she moves into first place in the series with just one more race left to go.  It was a photo finish between the former leader of the series, Ceylin del Carmen Avardo and the Brit, Zoe Backstedt.  Chapeau!

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

"Laying on the Power CX-G24-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 6: Winning a Close One

A brilliant sprint that was much closer than this makes it look.  Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-Alula) managed to just hold off a fast closing Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to take stage 6 in Dijon.  Apparently, Philipsen has the legs for the intermediate sprint but couldn't quite get the win today.  It was Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) took third on the day adding to her lead in the sprinter's race for the Maillot Vert.  I do believe that makes the sixth team, and the sixth person to win a stage of the Tour, in six stages.

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

"Winning a Close One TdF24-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France 23, Stage 14: Inspired by the Devil

I'm sure 'The Devil' aka Didi Stenft wasn't the one who got Jumbo-Visma to get onto the front of the peloton and push the pace to make the race as hard as possible in hopes of isolating their team leader's main rival.  But Didi was more than happy to run along side Wilco Kelderman and the Dutch Champion, Dylan Van Baarle as they lead the climb up the Col de la Ramez.  The team was hoping to put more than the eight seconds between their guy, Jonas Vingegaard, and Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates).  It is what UAE tried to do to them just the stage before.

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-2023/3965623-88-297438/Painting/inspired-by-the-devil-tdf23-88.html

Paris Nice 23, Stage 5: A Natural Return

 With the pace off in the peloton, a number of riders had dropped back for what is euphemistically called a “nature break”. Clearly that is why Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) was drafting off of his teammate Nathan Van Hooydonck, who was in turn drafting off of the team car on their way back up to the main group.  Van Hooydonck seemed to be having a bit of a conversation with his countryman (and Champion of his country, the Netherlands), Pascal Eenkhoorn (Lotto-Dstny).  The Lotto rider was more than happy to tack onto the Jumbo-Visma car to make the chase back just that much easier.  Most times the race referee will turn a blind eye to this minor rule violation, but had it been due to an inability to hold the pace, it can get the riders disqualified.

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/3938946-98-272742/Painting/a-natural-return.-pn23-16.html

Paris Nice 23, Stage 4: Hoping They’ll Catch Up

Pascal Eenkhoorn (Lotto Dstny) bedecked in his Dutch National Champion’s jersey, looked back over his shoulder on the way back down the Cote de Vernet.  He had opened up quite a gap on his former break away companions.  However, I am guessing he didn’t really want to ride the final 38 kilometers alone.  He could see Lilian Calmejane (Intermache-Circus-Wanty) coming across with a few others just behind the Frenchman.

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/3938779-94-272742/Painting/hoping-theyll-catch-up.-pn23-12.html

Milano Sanremo 2021 - Time to Go!

 The peloton hit the final climb of the Poggio all together so it was time to try and give it a go.  As expected it was Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) who was the first to launch an attack.  The World Champion was quickly covered by Wout Van Aert (Jumbo Visma) and Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix).  These were the three that started the day as the favorites to win the day, two having one the race in the recent past.  However, it didn't look like they were getting enough of a gap to hold off the peloton on the technical descent in just a few minutes.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect 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/Spring-Classics-2021/3801737-16-290150/Painting/time-to-go-ms21-5.html

Ronde Van Vlaanderen, One of These Two

 With Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) out, the race was down to Wout Van Aerts (Jumbo-Visma) and Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix).  Both riders had spent too much effort watching each other in last week's Gent-Wevelgem and marked each other out of contention for the sprint finish.  Clearly the pair had no intention of repeating their mistake.  While they had dueling words through the cycling press all week, today they were willing to collaborate to stay away and let their legs decide who was the better rider on the day.  On their last trip up the Oude Kwaremont and the final climb, they stuck to each other like glue, and continued to work together.  They have almost a minute and a half on the remnants of the peloton and they had no intention of letting anyone back into the race.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect 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/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3722742-36-280747/Painting/one-of-these-two-rvv20-7.html

Giro, Final Stage: His Turn

It was widely expected, but that didn't make Tom Dumoulin's (Team Sunweb) ride any less exciting.  The Dutch National Time Trial Champion knew he had to pull back 51 seconds on Nairo Quintana (Movistar) to claim the final Maglia Rosa.  He could take comfort in knowing that he had first taken the jersey off of the shoulders of the Colombian in the first individual time trial.  As he rounded this corner, he knew that he had already come two seconds to the good.  So he also knew that he would be the first Dutchman to win a Grand Tour in decades.  Chapeau, for a race well ridden!

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.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2974365-146-235247/PaintingHis-Turn-G17-154.html

Giro, Stage 10: Drinking on the Job

Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) stayed away from my paint brush on the climb of Blockhaus, yet he managed third on the stage.  With that finish he was well positioned to use his prowess in the time trial to move up on the general classification.  The Dutchman is racing in his national time trial champion's skin suit as he speeds through the beautiful landscape of Italy.  Dumoulin not only capture the stage today, he also took over the Maglia Rosa of race leader.  All while drinking on the job.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2967466-70-235247/PaintingDrinking-on-the-Job-G17-71.html

Tour, Stage 18: Catching Those Who Went Before

Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) is having a brilliant Tour!  He has claimed both a mountain stage and the first Individual Time Trial thus far.  As he went out today he was able to catch Jan Bakelants (Ag2r La Mondiale) who started out two minutes ahead of the Dutch National Time Trial Champion.  Dumoulin was setting new best times at every time check out on course.  As he crossed the line in Megeve, he set the new best time where it matters most.  Now he had to sit on the hot seat waiting to see if his time would stand throughout the rest of the stage.

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%202016/2826657-128-224974/PaintingCatching%20Those%20Who%20Went%20Before%20TdF129-Greig-Leach.html#.V5EuKLgrLIU

Paris Nice Stage 2: Lifting the Pace

With just under twenty kilometers left to go and the race altogether, Cannondale-Garmin went to the front and lowered the boom.  With a hoped for and yet to be realized cross wind, the team decided to try and shed some sprinters and other pretenders to the overall classification.  Tom Jelte Slagter and the Dutch National Champion Sebastien Langeveld let the rest of the team in a pseudo team time trail, in theory to help out their team leader, Andrew Talansky.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting (for only $50 USD plus shipping) just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

If you are enjoying the artwork and accompanying text, be sure to check out my recently published book of the 2014 Tour de France, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  You can find it at most any online book seller world wide.  Simply google the title to learn where you can get the book and save on international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2523068---195767/Painting.html#.VP9gO_zF-xU

Tour Stage 12: Wardrobe Malfunction

The mechanics that ride in the team cars are called upon to perform all sorts of repairs in all sorts of circumstances, most involve leaning way out of a moving car's window to fiddle with parts on a moving bicycle.  How they don't lose fingers in the bladed aerodynamic spokes I'll never know.   Sebastien Langeveld's (Garmin Sharp) mechanic leaned out to pin the racing bib back on more tightly.  The racers can obsess about all kinds of things and a flapping racing bib would even be on my list of annoyances.  There are times when a rider simply needs a brief respite and will hold onto the car while the mechanic fiddles for the eyes of the cameras and the referees alike.  All is fair in love, war and bike racing.  Although the ASO has quite a long list of do's and don'ts, a case in point that Andrew Talansky was penalized ten seconds for drafting off of his team car.  No big deal since he finished twenty eights minutes behind the stage winner Tony Gallopin (Lotto-Belisol).  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com and will be included in my soon to be self published book of my art 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 to become involved in bringing this amazing edition of the Tour to print, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  There are some wonderful rewards for backers at a wide variety of levels, all include your name in print on the special thanks page, and starting at $5 USD.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2404218---199992/Painting.html#.U8h5Cs_D_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 11: Having to Chase

With such a large break up the road and only 40 kilometers left to race it may for an aggressive chase from the peloton for those teams who had missed out.  Ironically, in a pre-race interview, it was Johnny Hoogerland (Androni Giacatolli) who said the stage would have a big break and that it would get away at 50 K into the race.  The only part he got wrong was when the break would get away.  It got away at 80 K, and he didn't manage to be in it.  So he and his team were left to try and chase the 14 up the road down.  Sadly, they couldn't do it and spent far more energy than they got in return.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard (4"x6") that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  If you want this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2367689---198213/Painting.html#.U319o8_D_IU