Tour de France 23, Stage 2: More to Be Had

Sporting the Polka Dot jersey of the King of the Mountains, the American Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) managed to jump across to Edvald Boasson Hagen (TotalEnergies) who had started the early break away.  The duo was soon joined by Remi Cavagna (Soudal-Quick Step).  Powless was there in hopes of adding to his lead in the KOM competition and the others seemed to be riding for a stage victory.  As they approached the summit of the first climb of the day, the Col d'Udana. they had built up an almost five minute lead on the following peloton.  Powless put in a successful dig to get over this climb first, but the others didn't give him much fight.  In fact they let him claim maximum points over the first four climbs of the day.

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-2023/3963306-6-297438/Painting/more-to-be-had-tdf23-6.html

 

Tour '22: Looking at Each Other

This quartet of Taco Van Der Hoorn (Intermache-Wanty Gobert-Materiaux), Simon Clarke (Israel-Premier Tech), Edvald Boasson Hagen (TotalEnergies) and Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost) had been off the front since the opening kilometer of this rather difficult stage.  They had dropped two of their original number, but now it was looking like it would be the four of them vying for stage honors.  That is if they don't spend too much time trying to outsmart each other.  At least two were in hot pursuit behind.

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-2022/3892421-26-294403/Painting/looking-at-each-other-tdf22-26.html

Tour '22, Stage 5: Working Together

I'm not really sure why Magnus Cort (EF Education-EasyPost) went into the break away today, after all there weren't any King of the Mountain points on offer.  It may have just been force of habit.  He has been in the break for every road stage of the Tour thus far.  Today he had five others off the front with him, including his teammate, the American, Neilson Powless.  Having been back to the car for a water bottle, he passed another over to Powless, one of the advantages having a teammate up the road with you.  Just ahead of the EF duo was Alexis Gougeard (B&B Hotels-KTM) and then Edvald Boasson Hagen (TotalEnergies).  Leading the group but not really visible is Taco Van Der Hoorn (Intermache-Wanty Gobert-Materiaux).  The sextet build up just shy of seven minutes on the following peloton.  I suppose those behind thought the cobbles would slow them down enough so they could be caught.

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-2022/3892381-22-294403/Painting/working-together-tdf22-22.html

Tour, Stage 7: His Second

With his team leader safely in the bunch, Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) was given free rein to go get his second stage victory of this year's Tour de France.  Van Aert just beat Edvald Boasson Hagen (NTT Pro Cycling) and a bike lunging Bryan Coquard (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept). 

It was quite the crowd at the line in Lavaur packed rather tightly together along the barriers at the finish line.  The French and I take some comfort in the presence of masks on nearly every excited spectator.  The crowds have been down in numbers along the road side.  It is a combination of social distancing and mask mandates and the fact that it is now September and the holiday season is long over.

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-2020/3692340-45-282744/Painting/his-second-tdf20-40.html

Tour, Stage 6: "Pull Through, Damn It"

While the early break went at the 0 kilometer mark, it didn't start out as smoothly as it could have.  Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) wasn't very happy with his break away companions.  He was gesticulating wildly to get them to pull through to make all of their efforts a success.  At this point the group just had a view seconds on the peloton, but it was still uncertain if the break would stick.  Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) seemed the most reluctant to to his share of the effort.  Edvald Boasoon Hagen (NTT Pro Cycling) was the last to join the escapees.  Others in the group included the birthday boy, Nielson Powless (EF Pro Cycling) and the still reigning Olympic Champion, Greg Van Avermaet (CCC).

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-2020/3690683-35-282744/Painting/pull-through-damn-it-tdf20-30.html

Tour, Stage 5: Trying to Catch Back On

Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) had a truly badly timed  flat tire at the base of the final climb.  Just as the teams of the climbing sprinters (Peter Sagan and Michael Matthews) drove the pace to shed the rest of the sprint masters, Boasson Hagen had to chase from behind up the climb of the Cote des Cinq Chateaux.  He could take some solace know he was the only guy in the caravan behind the race going forward as everyone else was dropping way of the pace.  He eventually caught the peloton at the top, but he was too gassed to feature in the finale.

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%20de%20France%202019/3358263-24-263530/Trying%20to%20Catch%20Back%20On%20%20TDF19-24.html

Doha 2016, Elite Men's Road Race: Not Much Left

All of those who got to the finish line (and even those who were pulled before hand) were completely drained by the toughness of the race, the weather, and the length of the race.  With just five kilometers to race, it seemed no one was able to launch an attack.  Many of those still in this group were not going to be able to out sprint the champions of the sport including three former World Champions, Tom Boonen (Belgium), Mark Cavendish (Great Britain) and Peter Sagan (Slovakia).  Yet, no one had yet to jump out of the long line of sweating riders being lead by Truls Korsaeth (Norway), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Norway), Giacomo Nizzolo, Jacopo Guarnieri (Italy) and the only two Dutchmen to make this group, Niki Terpstra and Tom Leezer.

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/Doha%202016%20UCI%20Road%20World%20Championships/2866446-64-227958/PaintingNot%20Much%20Left%20Doha64-Greig-Leach.html#.WAURKuArLIU

Doha 2016, Elite Men's Road Race: Still Okay?

Daniele Benati (Italy) looks back over his shoulder to check on his two teammates, Jacopo Guarnieri and Giacomo Nizzolo,  Further back in this front group is a fourth member of the team, Elia Vivianni.  Mixing in with the Italian trio is on of Norway's two sprinters in the group, Edvald Boasson Hagen, along with the Aussie, Mathew Hayman.  With around twenty kilometers left to race, it was time to see what could be organized for each teams respective designated sprinter.  Others lurking about in this group that I have yet to mention are the two Brits, Adam Bythe and Mark Cavendish, and the Slovakian duo of Michal Kolar and Peter Sagan.  With those two marquee sprinters, it was going to be hard to figure out how to take the win at the line.

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/Doha%202016%20UCI%20Road%20World%20Championships/2866439-63-227958/PaintingStill%20Okay?%20Doha63-Greig-Leach.html#.WAULj-ArLIU

Doha 2016, Elite Men's Road Race: Classic Style

For those of you who regularly follow my cycling art, you'll know how much I enjoy a title that has multiple interpretations.  This is just such a title.  Does it refer to the classic styling of the Belgium team jersey, the use of racing techniques employed in the Classics (mainly raced in Northern Europe in the Spring), or from the classic formation of the echelon?

A few kilometers before the peloton hit the northern most point of the course, the speed suddenly shot up as teams positioned themselves for the turn into the crosswinds.  Belgium hit the front and using the skill they have perfected riding on the winding flat lands of the North, split the peloton to splinters.  Surprisingly, the Dutch and the Germans missed the move as the main peloton broke into two majors pieces, with others in groups of ten or less scrambling behind.  The Belgium team was being led by Jasper Stuyven, but most of the team was here, including Jurgen Roelandts, Tom Boonen and Greg Van Avermaet astride his golden bike that celebrates his Olympic Gold Medal.  The Norwegian sprinters Edvald Boasson Hagen and Alexander Kristoff were among others that made the first group.

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/Doha%202016%20UCI%20Road%20World%20Championships/2866417-59-227958/PaintingClassic%20Style%20Doha2016-Greig-Leach.html#.WAT54-ArLIU

Tour, Final Stage: When It Mattered Most

Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) has won at least one stage in the previous five Tours de France.  At the start of the day, he had yet to cross the line first in any of the prior twenty stages in this edition of the Grand Boucle.  As the German National Champion crossed the line he looked to his right, just making sure that the fast closing Maillot Vert of Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) didn't beat him with his highly effective bike throw to the line.  At least this time he did not.  The sprint for the final stage victory was opened up by the Norwegian sprinter, Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), but he was no match for the "Gorilla."  Perhaps if the line had been another 100 meters, Sagan would have gotten around the powerful German sprinter.  The other Norwegian sprinting for the line was the national champion, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) who crossed the line in fourth place.  Sprint duties for his South African team fell to Boasson Hagen since the very successful Mark Cavendish left the Tour before the Alps to prepare for the Summer Olympics.  Rounding out the top five was Michael "Bling" Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange).  It is a nice fitting end to my day's paintings since the pair had shook hands prior to the end of the neutral start seventy kilometers ago.

This is the last of my Tour paintings for this year.  I am currently painting La Course and will post those in the next couple of hours.  Following that, I will take a bit of a break before capturing the Summer Olympics in Rio in about two weeks time.  I will be painting the lion share of the sporting events, not just focusing on cycling.  I hope you will check back for the "Art of the Olympics"

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.

Be sure to check out my second cycling art book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, available online or through your local book seller.

To buy this painting, follow this link:

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2828517-162-224974/PaintingWhen%20It%20Matters%20Most%20TdF163-Greig-Leach.html#.V5VrNLgrLIU

Tour, Stage 10: It Took Team Work

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) looks over with an expression of disbelief as Michael Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange) throws his arms wide in celebration.  He shouldn't be surprised, the Australian team brought three men into the seven man break, it is they who should shake their heads if they didn't take the stage.  I have seen it happen before, a that was in Paris Roubaix when three Etixx-Quickstep riders missed out on the victory when racing against one rider from Team Sky.  So it can go wrong, just not today.  Sagan's second place on the stage may well have sewn up his fifth consecutive victory in the race for the Maillot Vert, but then we are only have way through the Tour and you have to finish to win.  The stage was rounded out by Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).  Just tailing off the back of the group was Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r La Mondiale).  While the Frenchman was up amongst it, he leaves the French still looking for their first stage win in their home Tour.  Today's stage victory means the Bling Matthews has now one a stage in all three of the Grand Tours.  Chapeau!

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%202016/2822884-71-224974/PaintingIt%20Took%20Team%20Work%20TdF71-Greig-Leach.html#.V4WMprgrLIU

Tour, Stage 10: Who Is Going to Launch?

Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) came into the final 500 meters just behind Daryl Impey (Orica-BikeExchange).  It was Impey's teammate, Michael Matthews along with Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) and Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) who concerned the World Champion.  Sagan's victory in Richmond, Virginia, that gave him his Rainbow jersey was launched by chasing Van Avermaet.  Coming in second on East Broad Street in downtown Richmond was Michael Matthews. So both riders were concerning to the sprinter from Slovakia.

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%202016/2822869-70-224974/PaintingWho%20Is%20Going%20to%20Launch?%20TdF70-Greig-Leach.html#.V4WFHLgrLIU

Tour, Stage 10: From this Group

As per usual, the large group had too many passengers, so this group jumped away from the others.  Surprisingly, Orica-BikeExchange managed to put all three guys from the large group into this one.  Joining the Orica boys; Luke Durbridge, Daryl Impey and Michael Matthews, were Peter Sagan (Tinkoff), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), and Samuel Dumoulin (Ag2r La Mondiale).  Once this group had established it self, it seemed that the peloton simply surrendered.  They had pulled back three minutes from the original seven minute gap, but then they sat up.  Given the power represented here it was clear that this group was where the stage would be won from.  With three men on Orica-BikeExchange it was their stage to lose.

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%202016/2822854-68-224974/PaintingFrom%20this%20Group%20TdF68-Greig-Leach.html#.V4V-J7grLIU

Tour, Stage 3: Full On Now!

With everyone back into the peloton (or out the back) it was time for the sprinters' teams to hit the gas full on.  Who better to set a high pace than three time World Time Trial Champion, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) for his sprinter, Marcel Kittel?  Following on the wheels of the boys in blue and black was Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Dimension Data) joined by his teammates Mark Renshaw and Mark Cavendish.  Cavendish is currently wearing the Maillot Vert on load, but it looks like he fully intends to make it his own.  I am sure Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) won't mind passing over the Green Jersey, since he still has both the Maillot Jaune of race leader and the Rainbow Jersey of the Road World Champion.  Behind Cavendish is Micheal Matthews sporting the new colors (and newly named) Orica-BikeExchange.  He has traded in his bright green helmet for the yellow helmet of best place team overall.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2818186-19-224974/PaintingFull%20On%20Now!%20TdF19-Greig-Leach.html#.V3q4abgrLIU

Dauphine, Stage 4: A Power Sprint

The uphill sprint was tailor made for the power sprinter from Team Dimension Data, Marcus Burghardt.  The Norwegian Champion was thrilled to raise his arm in a victory salute as he claimed his first stage victory in the 68th Criterium du Dauphine.  Out of the frame of this painting was the wearer of the White Jersey of Best Young Rider, Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quickstep) who finished second on the stage.  Finishing out the podium placings was the Green Jerseyed Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis), who was less than pleased with his result.  Alas, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) was washed away along with the South African, Daryl Impey (Orica-GreenEdge).

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2805700-63-185083/Painting.html#.V1pGPPkrLIU

Dauphine, Stage 4: Cornering for Home

With just meters left to race the entire peloton was elbowing their way through the final corner.  Once they straighten up from this hard lean, it was time to sprint in earnest.  Leading them through the corner was the strong man from BMC, Greg Van Avermaet,  Rubbing shoulders with the Belgium on the Swiss team was Daryl Impey (Orica-GreenEdge) and next to him, the Norwegian Champion, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data).  Tucked in behind Van Avermaet was the fast man from Giant-Alpecin, John Degenkolb.  From here it looked like it was going to be the man from BMC at the line.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2805694-62-185083/Painting.html#.V1pDE_krLIU

Dauphine, Stage 3: They Left It too Late

To the dismay of the peloton and the sprinter's who managed to get over the final climb with the group, Fabio Aru (Astana) managed to hold everyone off.  With one last look behind he could tell that he had time to offer a victory salute.  Chasing as hard as they could, even opening up their sprints sooner than they would like, John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin), Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) and the rest couldn't get up to the daring Italian.  Chapeau, Aru!

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2804848-56-185083/Painting.html#.V1hqEZErLIU

Paris Roubaix: They Clawed Their Way Back

Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL Jumbo) heart must have sunk when he looked under his arm and say three very strong riders coming back up to his wheel.  He had been sure he had left them behind on the fourth section of cobbles, but with just 12 kilometers left to race, the lead group was now back up to four men.  Under the watchful eye of the TV moto, Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep) and Ian Stannard (Sky) had pulled themselves back into contention for victory in the Velodrome that completes the final kilometers of the Hell of the North.

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.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767307-317-195767/Painting.html#.VwslMPkrLIU

Paris Roubaix: Directing Traffic

Tom Boonen (Etixx-Quickstep) knew that two of his main rivals were over a minute behind and getting further back by the kilometer.  Boonen kept pushing those that were in the front group to keep working together.  While everyone wanted to win, none were interested in helping the four time winner Boonen get his fifth victory.  In this leading group were Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data), Imanol Erviti (Movistar), Ian Stannard (Sky) and now back in the fold, Matthew Hayman (Orica-GreenEdge), all with the pedigree to dream of victory in the velodrome of Roubaix at the end of this grueling race of 257.5 kilometers.

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.  In addition this painting, and all of my cycling artwork, 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.

Be sure to discover my most recent book, Art of Cycling: Richnond 2015 UCI Road World Chanpionships.  You can find the book at your favorite online retailer or at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2767301-315-195767/Painting.html#.VwsghPkrLIU

Milano-San Remo: Looking Them Over

Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data) looked over his shoulder to get a feel of who was behind him, and how they may sprint.  Boasson Hagen had gone of the front with a small group that included Greg Van Avermaet (BMC), Fernando Gaviria Rendon (Etixx Quickstep) and had hoped they would stay away.  They had already sped pass Ian Stannard (Team Sky) and Giovanni Visconti (Movistar), so he was right to be full of hope for the race.  He may well have lost that feeling of hope seeing the peloton coming up behind with just 500 meters left to the line.

Unfortunately for Gaviria Rendon, he went down just after I painted this image, ruining his chances for a win in San Remo.

This is a small original watercolor that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watecolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, the painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  The painting is available for sale and can be found by following the direct link at the end of this post.

Be sure to check out my newest cycling book, Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships.  The book is available through your favorite book seller worldwide or at my publishers website, www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2747789-295-195767/Painting.html#.Vu95qvkrLIU