E3 Harlebeke: The Dash to the Line

As the three off the front came to the line, it was Oliver Naeson (Ag2r La Mondiale) who attacked first.  He had been dropped earlier by his companions, and I am sure he wasn't confident of being able to hold his own against Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep).  And as he expected both went around him with just meters left to the line.  It was a true sign of his respect for the others that he sat up and applauded along with the thousands of fans as Greg Van Avermaet won the day,   As Van Avermaet crossed the line, it was Gilbert who reached out and shook the hand of the Olympic Road Race Champion.  As the announcer said, "the riders know to leave the racing to the race" and they all have true respect and admiration for each other.  So it was Van Avermaet taking first, followed by Gilbert and then Naeson finishing out the podium.  Chapeau to all!

My next race I plan to paint will be the revered Paris Roubaix.

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%20/2939899-386-195767/PaintingThe%20Dash%20for%20the%20Line%20E317-7.html

E3 Harelbeke: Kop van de Wedstrijd

Kop van de Wedstrijd as best I can understand means the head of the race, at least that is what kept flashing on the screen as they showed the leading group on the road.  This threesome of Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) and Oliver Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale) had over a minute on the remnants of the peloton.  As they road up the penultimate climb, the Oude Kwatrmony, they must be beginning to think that the win would be between themselves.  All three riders are from Belgium, and Gilbert is the reigning Belgium National Champion, so it looks like the drought of Belgium winners will be coming to an end today.

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%20/2939896-385-195767/PaintingKop%20van%20de%20Wedstrijd%20E317-6.html

E3 Harelbeke: On the Road, Out of the Race

Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) was one of several riders that got caught out in a small pile up in the front end of the peloton.  One of the many risks on the roads of Belgium are the deep joints of cement that run down the center of many of the smaller roads.  So even when the riders are off of the pave, they still are not out of danger.  Sagan was helped back underway by his teammate, Christoph Pfingsten, as well as an enthusiastic cycling fan on the side of the road.  But he got back underway long after the peloton had sped up the road.  It was amusing to notice that the fan helping Sagan get back underway was wearing a Discovery Team kit - the last kit worn by Lance Armstrong.   Good to know there are still some fans of the Texan out watching cycling in Europe.

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%20/2939892-384-195767/PaintingOn%20the%20Road,%20Out%20of%20the%20Race%20E317-5.html

E3 Harelbeke: Pushing the Pace

Now there was a rather powerful group of riders about a minute up the road containing riders like Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and some other contenders.  Left behind, and chasing hard, was Tony Martin in his new Katusha-Alpecin colors.  Close the the UCI Time Trial Champion was the Rainbow Jersey of the Road Champion, Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrphe).  Keeping an eye on the pair of rather accomplished riders was Matteo Trentin  (Quickstep).  The peloton is speeding across one of the few flat sections of cobbles, the Mairaborreestaat, leaving just 50 kilometers to race and only three more sections of pave to traverse.

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%20/2939886-383-195767/PaintingPushing%20the%20Pace%20E317-4.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: Neutral Service

The cobbles or the avoiding of the cobbles by riding in the ditches on the sides of the road make for a high risk of punctures.  If you combine that with the narrowness of the Belgium roads, a rider can wait a very long time for his team car to help him get going again.  The race organization provides neutral service vehicles that are able to be closer to each group on the road.  The course will split the race apart, spreading the race for tens of kilometers across the back roads of Belgium.  Here, Owain Dull (Sky) has had a wheel change from the Shimano sponsored mechanic and his getting a push to get back underway.  The Sky sprinter has none other than his teammate, Ian Stannard, waiting to help pace him back into the peloton.

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%20/2939883-381-195767/PaintingNeutral%20Service%20E317-2.html

E3 Harelbeke: On to the Kruisberg

The race today was being led by a small six man escape that had gotten away at the 60 kilometer mark and they were still away with about 96 kilometers left to race.  The escapees were comprised of Taco Van Der Hoorn (Roompot Nederlandse Loterij), David Per (Bahrain-Merida), Alexis Gougeard (Ag2r La Mondiale), Roger Wagner (LottoNL Jumbo), Laurens De Vreese (Astana) and Christophe Masson (WB Veranclassic Aquality Protect).  They had about four minutes on the chasing peloton as they started up the Oude Krisberg.  E3 Harelbeke is punctuated with short steep cobbled climbs that jar the riders teeth and zap the strength from their legs.

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%20/2939881-380-195767/PaintingOn%20to%20the%20Kuisberg%20E317-1.html

E3 Harelbeke: Double Checking

As both Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) held off the chasing elite group, most everyone assumed that Kwiatkowski wouldn't have a prayer of beating Sagan in a sprint for the line.  However, the sly Polish rider managed to force Sagan onto the front as they came within 700 meters of the finish.  With those behind closing swiftly, the pair had little time to play cat and mouse.  As Sagan looked back over his left shoulder to see where the chasers were, Kwiatkowski jumped on his right side.  Before the World Champion noticed the attack, he was already four of five bike lengths behind his adversary.  Sagan never got close to Kwiatkowski again, finishing in second place yet again.  While much has been made of the curse of the Rainbow Jersey, Sagan is doing extremely well despite not claiming the top step of the podium, at least he is almost always on the second step.

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%20/2752671-302-195767/Painting.html#.VveHbvkrLIU

E3 Harelbeke: A Winning Duo

Using the climb up Karnemelbeekstraat, the reigning World Champion, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) found himself off of the front of the race with the former World Champion, Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky),  Kwiatkowski was showing off his new team kit, and both riders have the rainbow stripes on their sleeves (an honor only a former World Champion has earned).  Given the pedigree of these two riders, it was unlikely that those behind would see this duo again, even if another former World Champion was amongst those behind.

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%20/2752668-301-195767/Painting.html#.VveD7vkrLIU

E3 Harelbeke: He Chased Them Down

It was truly exciting to watch Fabian Cancellara (Trek-Segafredo) turn what should have been a day over mechanical issue into a show of talent, experience and strength.  Cancellara had lost over three minutes waiting for his team car, and yet was able to use his team and his frustration to chase down the Etixx-Quickstep dominated second group on the road.  Using the climb up the Paterberg to close the final seconds to the group that contained, Lars Boon (Astana), World Champion, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) and Dutch Champion Niki Terpstra (Etixx-Quickstep).  Once they had all made the climb, they took the opportunity to grab a drink or a bite to eat before setting off again after the break away that was still up the road.

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%20/2752665-300-195767/Painting.html#.VveBS_krLIU

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

E3 Harelbeke: Leading Them Around

After a few minutes of silence for the victims of the terrorist bombings in Brussels, the race got underway.  Shortly thereafter, this group got off of the front and built up over five minutes on the peloton.  So as they wove through the sharp corners and narrow roads of Belgium, they were leading everyone around the race course.  Some of those in the break included, Bert De Backer (Giant-Alpecin), Wouter Wippert (Cannondale) and Reto Hollenstein (IAM Cycling), all eight were hoping they could surprise those behind, many of home have claim victory in this race in the past.

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%20/2752653-298-195767/Painting.html#.Vvd72vkrLIU

E3 Harelbeke: Finding a Solution

Filippo Pozzato (Southeast-Venezuela) a former winner of this race, had troubles on the climb up Oude Kruisberg.  Unsure what the problem was, his mechanic joined him at the summit of the climb with a wheel and a tweak of the gearing.  After a very quick change, Pozzato was swiftly back underway, using the following caravan to weave his way back into the peloton.  Later, he could be seen reaching to his rear brake caliber to make a final adjustment before getting on with the business of trying to repeat a victory at day's end.

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%20/2752641-297-195767/Painting.html#.Vvd5GvkrLIU

E3 Harelbeke: All Alone Now

Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) continued the seasonal reversal of his team today.  He made the perfect strategical move with about four kilometers left to race.  It was becoming obvious that Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) didn't have much left in his legs, so after Zdenek Stybar (Etixx Quickstep) did a pull at the front, Thomas attack the duo from the back quickly getting a gap on the pair.  Stybar waited just that briefest of moments hoping that Sagan would take up the chase.  Once he could tell the Slovak didn't have the power to go, he did his best to catch the Brit, but to no avail.  Thomas road alone to the line claiming the first British victory in the history of the E3 Harelbeke.  His victory continued the great opening of the 2015 season for Team Sky after their most disappointing 2014 season marred by injury and illness.

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 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%20/2533376---195767/Painting.html#.VRZugvnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Any Chance?

Yohann Offredo (FDJ) who has been off the front and the back, dropped back to his team car for a little advice.  He needed to know if the gap to the three men off the front was possible to bridge.  Whether or not his director sportif actually believed it, he must have told Offredo that he could make the catch.  It was just a few minutes later that the French rider made a valiant albeit unsuccessful attempt to catch the escapees.  Once Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) crashed and his team dropped the chase, it was all over for the peloton.

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 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%20/2533370---195767/Painting.html#.VRZsaPnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Riding Away

Once these three crested the final berg of the race, they simply rode away from the rest of the remaining peloton.  This threesome of Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-Quickstep), Geraint Thomas (Sky) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) represented some very powerful cyclist.  Stybar is the current Czech National Champion, Sagan, the Slovak National Champion and Stannard is a former British National Champion.  All three possess the ability and the wit to claim victory today, although, Sagan is the defending champion wearing race bib number one.

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 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%20/2533368---195767/Painting.html#.VRZqnvnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Hittin 'em Hard

At the foot of the Kwarmond climb, it was Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) who jumped hard on the pedals opening up a small gap on Stijn Vandenbergh (Etixx-Quickstep) and his teammate, Zdenek Stybar.  Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) was just behind.  Vanmarcke's move allowed all four of these attentive riders to prize out a gap on the peloton.  Alas, the gap was closed down by Team Sky once over the summit of the berg.

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 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%20/2533366---195767/Painting.html#.VRZohPnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Dropping Off

The early break of four riders quickly became three as Sjoerd Van Ginnekin (Roompot) dropped off of the pace as they ascended the Kapelberg.  It was Dries Devenyns (IAM Cycling) that lifted the pace on the climb, fortunately for them, Sean De Bie (Lotto Soudal) and Kristian Sbaragli (MTN-Qhubeka) were able to hold the Belgium rider's wheel.  The foursome had an avantage of four minutes on the peloton earlier in the race, but now it gap was only a minute between the two groups.

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 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%20/2533364---195767/Painting.html#.VRZmfPnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Holding on to the Tail

The combination of a large peloton and very narrow roads made for a very long line indeed.  As the riders approached each of the 17 cobbled bergs of E3 Harelbeke, the pace would be lifted by the domestiques to get their men into the best possible position before the narrow ascents the define racing in Flanders.  For those at the back like Marc Sarreau and William Bonnet of FDJ, it can look like a long, long way to the business end of the race.  The wide open flat farm lands can also provide few places to hide from the winds of March.

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 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%20/2533362---195767/Painting.html#.VRZkavnF-xU

E3 Harelbeke: Narrow Roads of Flanders

With April almost here, the ProTour dipped its wheels into the cobbles of Belgium for the first race of the season.  The Cobbled Classics make for hard racing, narrow roads and very tough sections of uneven road surfaces.  This year's E3 Harelbeke started without one of the big names of the Belgium cobbles, Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep), he crashed out early in the season, suffering a broken collar bone.  Today another big name in the classics, Fabian Canellara (Trek Factory Racing) hit the pave, while he did get back on the bike and ride further, he eventually pulled out with two fractured vertabrae.  Team Sky came to the front to chase down the four man break, putting Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Bernard Eisel on the front of the peloton.  BMC, Lotto NL Jumbo and Tinkoff Saxo waited in the wings ready to play their part in the drama of the day.

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%20/2533360---195767/Painting.html#.VRZil_nF-xU