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 21: The Perfect Throw

I can't remember the last time the sprint on the Champs Elysees came down to a photo finish.  But then why would the finish of this Tour be anymore predictable than any other moment of this race.  It was a mad sprint to the line, that everyone expected the Maillot Vert on the shoulders of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceunick).  After all he had already won four sprints in this Tour.  The only one to beat him on a slight uphill sprint was Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).  The other of the group most likely to take the stage was Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-Alula).  The least likely was the Tour rookie, Jordi Meeus (Bora-Hansgrohe).  Yet it was he who had the perfectly timed bike throw just barely edging out Philipsen.  Groenewegen took third and Pedersen just missed the podium.  Other than stage honors the results changed nothing, but it was exciting just the same.  For Meeus it will be life changing.  Today was his first professional victory, there is no bigger stage on which to perform, and he did it to a standing ovation.

This is the final painting of the Men's Tour de France, but fear not, I have seven more days of the Toru de France Femmes to paint yet.

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-2023/3967241-149-297438/Painting/the-perfect-throw-tdf23-144.html

 

Tour de France 23, Stage 11: His Fourth

With about 100 meters to go to the line it looked like the stage was going to go to Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-Alula).  But just as he did to Mark Cavendish (in his last sprint before crashing out of the Tour), Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin Deceuninck) had a stunning top speed that brought him around the Dutch sprinter on the Australian team to take the stage by two bike lengths.  That makes this is fourth win this Tour, and one second place.  Clearly, he is the deserving wearer of the Maillot Vert of the best sprinter in the race.  He now has more than twice the sprint points of his nearest competitor, Bryan Coquard.  I suspect that he will still be wearing the green jersey when he sprints on the Champs Elysees.

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-2023/3965110-66-297438/Painting/his-fourth-tdf23-66.html 

Tour de France 23, Stage 8: Up to the Sprint

Sorry for the pun.  Many of you who keep track of my cycling art will know that I am a sucker for a good (bad) pun.  Today's final kilometer was a bit of a rise up to the line, thus the idea to use the word "up" in the title.  With that feature it may for a much more difficult sprint to judge and perhaps a different kind of a sprinter who would take the win in Limoges.  Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) had just enough advantage to hold off the closing Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck).  Philipsen wasn't expected to do as well as he did.  Just behind him another sprinter did better than expected, Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-Alula).  One who was expected to do well was Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).  I don't know why he just isn't the same level of success from the year before.  He was there today, but came away with third on the day.

Philipsen keeps his lead in the race for the Green Jersey, but Pedersen continues to inch closer.

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-2023/3964395-47-297438/Painting/up-to-the-sprint-tdf23-47.html

Tour '22, Stage 21: A Clean Set of Wheels

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) had such a strong sprint that you can barely see anyone else in the frame.  He finished leaving everyone else looking at him.  He did a bike throw at the line, but he could have been celebrate for the last 50 meters given just how much daylight he had over Dylan Groenewegen (BikeExchange-Jayco) and Alexander Kristoff (Intermache-Wanty Gobert).  Kristoff has Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) trying to bump him off of Groenewegen's wheel, but there was no way the tiny Australian was going to budge the veteran sprinter.  Peter Sagan may not be in the frame, but he did finish fifth on the final stage of the Tour.

This is it for the men's Tour, but I will be painting the Tour de France Femmes for the next seven days, so I hope you will continue to follow along.

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, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g 

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3895598-148-294403/Painting/a-clean-set-of-wheels-tdf22-142.html

Tour '22, Stage 3: So Close!

I doubt it is possible for a stage to be any closer than it was today.  Dylan Groenewegen (BikeExchange-Jayco) timed his throw for the line perfectly just barely edging out Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) for victory in Sonderberg.  That set up Van Aert taking second in a stage of this Tour for the third time.  That was more than enough to keep him in both the Maillot Jaune and Maillot Vert.  Matthieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) claimed the last step of the podium edging out Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies) whom you can not see from this angle.  

Now we all get a rest as the Tour entourage spends tomorrow getting itself to the north of France.  I hesitate to call it a rest day for the Tour, but I am looking forward to catching up on some other things.

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, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3891875-15-294403/Painting/so-close-tdf22-15.html

Tour, Stage 21: The Third One Is the Best

Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) took his third stage win of this Tour.  To have that happen on the Champs Elysees is truly special.  Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma) looks over seemingly surprised to see that Ewan had come from off of his wheel and still got ot the line first.  In the frame, but not really "in" the sprint is Matteo Trentin (Mitchelton-Scott), finishing in seventh today.  None need be embarassed, all three of these guys have at least one stage win in the 106th Tour de France.  Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) seemed to sit this one out.  He had ample points to secure his seventh Maillot Vert, so he need not endanger himself by sprinting today.

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%202019/3366756-127-263530/The%20Third%20One%20Is%20the%20Best%20%20TDF19-127.html

Tour, Stage 11: Finally!

Finally, had to be the feeling amongst Lotto Soudal.  The team has been striving to get their sprinter, Caleb Ewan across the line first for the first ten stages of the Tour (they have won a stage with another rider).  Today, he managed to just nip Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma) at the line in Toulouse.  Ewan's win makes him the eleventh different stage winner in eleven stages.  The last time that happened was 1995.  Behind it was Elia Viviani (Deceuninck-Quick Step), Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) chased by the entire rest of the peloton.

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%202019/3361329-60-263530/Finally!%20%20TDF19-60.html

Tour, Stage 7: By a Tire

Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal) had put in an amazingly fast sprint, but just ran out of road trying to get the better of Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma).  The Dutchman beat the Australian by the thickness of a tire.  While it went to a photo, Groenewegen was the one throwing up his arm in victory as the swung past the clusters of press photographers.  Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) easily took the third place position making sure to earn more Maillot Vert points than his two closest competitors. In the frame put out of the podium picture were Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) and his teammate Jasper Philipsen -10th and 5th respectively.  That is the third stage win for Jumbo-Visma, meaning only three teams have won at least one stage out of the first seven stages of the 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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3359083-37-263530/By%20a%20Tire%20%20TDF19-37.html

Tour, Stage 8: Adding Up

Dylan Groenewegen (Lotto NL Jumbo) has had to stage wins in as many stages.  The Dutchman has had two amusing victory salutes as well.  The first win he came across the line with his index finger to his lips, in affect quieting all of those who had said he didn't have the legs to win at the Tour.  Today he held on finger aloft on one hand and then counted to two on the other, saying I just went two for two.  Behind Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) got swamped by Groenewegen to take second.  After literally butting heads with Greipel, Fernando Gaviria (Quickstep) bounds his bars as he takes third on the day.  It will remain to be seen if the referees take any action against either sprinter.  The actions were the same as the events that lead to Sagan being thrown out of the 2017 Tour with the important exception that no one crashed in the sprint today.  Ever consistent Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) tooked fourth on the day.  He may a rare mistake of opening up his sprint just a bit too early to hold of the other three sprinters.  The Frenchman hoping to wave the flag of victory on Bastille day, Arnaud Demare (Groupama-FDJ) finished sixth on the day.

I did just learn that Gaviria was relegated on the stage for his agression in trying to move Greipel out of his way, as was Greipel for squeezing the Colombian against the barrier.  The resulting placing moved Sagan up to second on the stage and Kristoff into third.  With Gaviria and Greipel earning no sprinter's points on the day, Sagan's lead may already be unsurmountable in the race for the Maillot Vert (assuming he finishes the 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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2018/3187350-40-251072/PaintingAdding-Up.html

Tour, Stage 7: Someone New

Yes, I realize that yesterday's stage was one by someone other than Fernando Gaviria (Quickstep) and Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe), but that was a steep uphill finish.  Today, it was a pure sprinter's stage with a clean approach to the line.  Today, it was Dylan Groenewegen (Lotto NL Jumbo) who got the better of the Colombian sprinter.  However, Graviria took second on the stage.  Don't worry, Sagan was glued to the Quick Step rider's wheel for third.  Taking fourth was the Frenchman, Arnaud Demare (Groupama-FDJ).  Perhaps tomorrow, it will be Demare that claims a stage on Bastille Day for France.

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-2018/3187224-36-251072/PaintingSomeone-New--T18-36.html

Tour, Stage 4: A Second Kick

It was Fernando Gaviria's (Quick Step) second kick that got him his second stage victory.  However, it was Peter Sagan's second kick that kept him in the Maillot Vert, by virtue of his second place finish.  Sagan just managed to get round Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) who finished the day in third.  Greipel seemed to have the sprint in hand until the two marquee sprinters kicked into turbo.  Still managing to be up amongst it was Dylan Groenewegen (Lotto NL Jumbo).  Today's stage was the first time the Maillot Jaune stayed put, remaining on the shoulders of Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).  In fact all of the leader's jerseys stayed on the shoulders of those who started in them back in La Baule.

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-2018/3185700-20-251072/PaintingA-Second-Kick--T18-20.html

Paris Nice, Stage 5: Embracing His Victory

The Gorilla, also known as Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal), through his arms wide as he cross the line first iin Bourg de Peage.  Greipel has been close a couple of times thus far, but he must feel truly relieved to have his stage win before the road starts getting lumpy tomorrow.  In the shadow of his outstretched arms were Arnaud Demare (FDJ), Dylan Groenwegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) and John Degenkolb (Trek Segafredo).  Demare's second place on the day earned him the outright ownership of the Maillot Vert of most consistent sprinter.  It is now unlikely that either Degenkolb nor Groenwegen, let alone Marcel Kittel (Quickstep) will get a stage win in the 75th Paris Nice.

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%20/2932251-359-195767/PaintingEmbracing%20His%20Victory%20PN17-23.html

Tour of Britain, Final Stage: Taking the Final One

Lotto Soudal played an unusual tactic in the final kilometer of the Tour of Britain.  It appeared the Jens Debusschere was the final lead out for their sprinter, Andre Greipel.  Instead, as they pair went under the flame rouge, Greipel let the wheel of his teammate go and slowed the progress of the other sprinters who had lined up on the German sprinter's wheel.  It was Boy Van Poppel (Trek-Segafredo) who first saw the ploy and went chasing the fleeing Debusschere.  He was followed by the Dutch National Champion, Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL Jumbo), but the pair were left in the dust of the fast man, Caleb Ewan (Orica-BikeExchange).  So in the end it was Ewan for the victory on the final stage in London, with Groenwegen taking second and Debusschere just holding on for third.  Steve Cummings' Yellow Jersey stayed on his shoulders, as all of the other jersey stayed on the shoulders of those who started the day wearing them.

This is most likely the last race I will paint until the UCI World Road Racing Championships in Doha, Qatar.  There had been a chance that I would be there painting the races live onsite, but that doesn't seem to have worked out.  So it goes.

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/2850518-88-189075/PaintingTaking%20the%20Final%20One%20ToB62-Greig-Leach.html#.V9ZQzpgrLIU

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 of Britain, Stage 1: Untangling Cav

So the answer to the previous post, "Where is Cav?" has been answered.  Mark Cavendish (Dimensiona Data) was under a pile of bikes and people.  The last kilometer included a sharp left turn and not everyone made it around safely.  Others held up by the wreck included the Dutch National Champion, Dylan Groenwegen (LottoNL Jumbo) and his teammate Robert Wagner.  Another was the Sky rider Danny Van Poppel who looked on as Juan Jose Lobato (Movistar) reached down and twisted Cavendish's ankle.  As a cyclist, I know that he was helping out the Manx Missile get unclipped from his pedals so he could get up.  While all involved could not contest for the stage victory, at least they would be given the same time as the bunch.  All they have to do is get themselves and their bike across the line.  As far as I know everyone was able to finish, whether they will be able to start tomorrow remains to be seen.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20Britain/2846917-33-189075/PaintingUntangling%20Cav%20ToB7-Greig-Leach.html#.V8z5SJgrLIU

Tour of California, Final Stage: Doctor's Visit

Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL Jumbo) was caught up in one of those little tumbles that can happen at any moment, particularly when the peloton has been racing flat out for seven days.  After he had gotten a fresh bike and chased back up through the following caravan of team cars and race officials, he stopped in at the doctors office.  The race provides moving medical attention for those who are able to get back on their bikes and continue racing.  While it is the last stage of the race, no rider can start the next day if he doesn't finish the day before, in this case, no one wants to not finish the Tour of California when there is only twenty miles left to race.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was painting using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Company (www.richesonart.com).  This painting along with all of my cycling art, 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 at the website, be sure to check out my two cycling art books, "Book du Tour: Art of the 101st Tour de France" and, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships".

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2795057-47-223355/Painting.html#.V0KijfkrLIU

Tour of California, Stage 5: What's the Plan?

Stage 5 in the Tour of California produced the largest break away thus far in the race.  Eighteen men were able to escape the grip of the peloton, mainly because none were close enough to the lead of Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep) to affect his over all lead.  In fact the highest placed member of the break was his own teammate, Maxime Bouet.  Adam Blythe (Tinkoff) dropped back to his team car to get a bottle and a little advice on how he should play his position to the advantage of his team leader, Peter Sagan.

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 and all of my cycling artwork is available, along with my two cycling books (one on the 2014 Tour de France and the other on the 2015 UCI Road World World Championships) on my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.  But don't delay, since it is an original work of art, once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2793500-21-223355/Painting.html#.Vz6M-fmDGko

Tour of California, Stage 1: To Perfection

To quote Paul Sherwin, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), timed it to perfection.  The World Champion managed to burst out of the back and chase down the sprinting Wouter Wippert (Cannondale) and Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL Jumbo), to claim yet another victory while wearing the rainbow jersey that he won in my home town of Richmond, Virginia.  Sagan's win will have him trade in his stripes for the yellow jersey of race leader, a jersey that he took home as the over all victor a year ago.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting (only 4"x6") that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  The work, along with the rest of my cycling art and cycling art books, 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-multi-view/Tour%20of%20California/2791112-5-223355/Painting.html#.VznrGvkrLIU