Flanders 2021: Rolling Out

Most times my paintings do what they should, but then there are others...  this is a bit of the latter.  Michal Kwiatkowski rolled off the start ramp on the coast in hopes of a strong ride.  It is his ability to ride miles after miles on the front of the peloton that makes his team, Ineos-Grenadiers, so hard to keep out of a leader's jersey.  I am sure he was hoping his legs would deliver that kind of a ride for some personal glory.  It should be pointed out that he is a former UCI World Champion on the road yet I don't think he was one of the main contenders for the rainbow jersey in the time trial.

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 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/Flanders-2021/3837377-3-292177/Painting/rolling-out-uci21-3.html

Flanders 2021: Fastest at the Second Check

Stefan Bissegger (Switzerland) was laying down a brilliant ride.  When he got to the second time check he logged the best time thus far.  Yes, there were some big names on the road behind him but he looked to be on a podium worthy time trial.  Unfortunately, he wasn't going to replace the lore of his countryman, Fabian Cancellara.  It was a combination of fading a bit towards the finish and some of the other behind him that left him with a seventh place on 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 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/Flanders-2021/3837375-2-292177/Painting/fastest-at-the-second-check.html

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

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

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034306-10-239826/PaintingLeading-on-the-Cobbles--Bregen-10.html

Bergen 2017: Men's Elite Team Time Trial: Leading Them Over the Top

It pleases me to see that Team Sunweb men learned from the brilliant ride of the women's Sunweb team.  Just as the ladies did in the morning, the men went out easy posting third or fourth place times at the early checks.  As they crested the 9% crest of the Birkelundsbakken, it was Tom Dumoulin leading the full compliment of six.  By riding easier, they were the only team to bring all six riders into the fast down hil and flat sections of the course.  By so doing, they had the power of numbers and the chance for each rider to get just that much more rest before driving the pace at the front.  It was the strategy that work for the women, and it deliver the Gold Medal to the men as well.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034284-9-239826/PaintingLeading-Them-Over-the-Top--Bergen-9.html

Bergen 2017, Elite Men's Team Time Trial: The Final Corners

I'll admit it, I have a soft spot for CCC Sprandi Polkowice.  It may just be that they have the brightest colored kit in the peloton, but more likely is they always race with agression whenever they take to the start line.  I was very excited to see them posting the new best times along the course AND at the finish line.  With some of the true powerhouses of the discipline to come, I was sure their time wouldn't stand (and it didn't).  But it was nice to see them in the hot seat no matter how briefly.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034269-8-239826/PaintingThe-Final-Corners--Bergen-8.html

Bergen 2017, Elite Men's Team Time Trial: Another Goal

Team Sky has been enjoying an amazing second half of the season with Chris Froome taking the wins in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana.  Today it sure looked like they plan to add World Champion to the list of wins.  They were setting best times at each of the time checks in the early leg of the course ahead of the climb up the Birkelundsbakken.  The two riders on the back, Ian Stannard and Gianni Moscon, were two of the power houses keeping Froome in Red just two weeks ago.  Driving the train was the former Time Trial World Champion, Vasil Kiryienka.  It has been four years since they have been on the podium.  And despite hopes of a win, they have to content themselves with being back on the podium once again, but in the bronze medal position.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034257-7-239826/PaintingAnother-Goal--Bergen-7.html

Bergen 2017, Men's Team Time Trial: Time to Defend

Naturally, the last team to roll down the start ramp was Quickstep, the defending World Champions of the Elite Men's Team Time Trial.  The team has been on the podium for five years running swapping Gold and Silver with BMC Pro Cycling.  Today, they had the shock of not even making the podium despite a strong ride, just not strong enough.  They finished their effort in fourth place just seconds off the podium - perhaps they should have kept Tony Martin on the team.  (Although his team didn't do nearly as well as Quickstep).

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034246-6-239826/PaintingTime-to-Defend--Bergen-6.html

Bregen 2017, Men's Team Time Trial: Down the Other Side

It was the rather colorful Norwegian team, Fixit.no, who got the men's team time trial underway this afternoon.  As it always is for the first team to start, they were setting the best time at each of the time checks out on course.  However, unlike the women's team, Virtu Cycling, their time didn't stand up for long.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Bergen-2017-UCI-Road-World-Championships/3034242-5-239826/PaintingDown-the-Other-Side--Bergen-5.html

Doha 2016, Men's TTT: Turning for Home

One of my new found favorite teams is Veranda's Willems Cycling Team.  And they raced well against the big UCI Pro Tour teams today.  In fact, as they finished their trip around the twisting, flat course, they claimed the top step of the podium.  Sadly it was only a very brief time on that special spot, never the less, they were there.  It is a little unusual to see the following team cars are actually four door pickup trucks, but I guess Nissan is trying to interest those in the desert with a vehicle that can easily handle the terrain.  I must admit I prefer seeing bikes in the back of the trucks then what they frequently have mounted there in other Middle Eastern countries.

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/2863286-9-227958/PaintingTurning%20for%20Home%20Doha9-Greig-Leach.html#.V_qmnPArLIU

Doha 2016, Men's TTT: Fast & Precise

Etixx-Quickstep was most eager to reclaim the title of World's Fastest Team back off of the shoulders of BMC.  With the thrice decorated World Time Trial Champion, Tony Martin (Germany) back on form, the team flew through the course like the fine particles of sand that seemed to color the sky.  The team was just staying a fraction of a second faster than the BMC boys behind.  It only remained to see if they could hold off the black and red train behind.

Etixx-Quickstep was one of the teams that had the camelbak waterpacks under their jerseys.  The devices let them take frequent sips of water without having to reach for a waterbottle.  Plus they had the added advantages of keeping a cold bag on their backs against the heat, and the lump of the camelbak should help create and even more aerodynamic profile.  Them the name of the water delivery systems seems particularly suited to the environment of these championships.

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/2863272-8-227958/PaintingFast%20&%20Precise%20Doha8-Greig-Leach.html#.V_qkCfArLIU

Doha 2016, Men's TTT: New Best Time Check

The Elite Men's Team Time Trial seems to be building to a cresendo.  As each team reached the first time check, it felt like they set a new best time.  So it was with Katusha.  Natually, there were some exceptions to the building (or actually diminishing times), but Katusha was one who held onto their advantage as they race back on to the Pearl on the coastline of Doha.  It also felt like the men, having started a bit later in the day, seemed to be suffering less in the desert heat.  Although I imagine that those who were dropped by their teammates out on course who disagree with me.

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/2863256-7-227958/PaintingNew%20Best%20Time%20Check%20Doha7-Greig-Leach.html#.V_qgTPArLIU

Doha 2016, Men's TTT: Hugging the Barrier

Orica-BikeExchange came to Doha with a strong team for the Team Time Trial, some of those who took to the road for the Australian team were Luke Durbridge (Australia), Svein Tuft (Canada), Daryl Impey (South Africa) amongst others.  The boys in there blue and bright green kit were able to claim the final step of the podium, after having lead the race when they crossed the line.  Their third place represented a step higher (and on to the podium) from their performance in Richmond, Virginia last year.

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/2863230-6-227958/PaintingHugging%20the%20Barrier%20Doha6-Greig-Leach.html#.V_qdgPArLIU

Doha 2016, Men's TTT: Through the Time Check

The landscape out by the first time check wasn't much to look at, but then most of the guys on Astana were concentrating on the wheel in front of them and producing as much wattage as they possibly could.  I will be trying to continue to find beauty in the sands outside of the city, just as Georgia O'Keefe managed in the deserts of New Mexico.  The boys in blue were posting stronger times than I expected in the early stages of the days team time trial, but the teams of Etixx-Quickstep and BMC had yet to roll down the start ramp.  Those two teams have held the Team World Champion title between them for over four years now.  Would Astana be the one to de-throne them?  In a word, "no."

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/2863224-5-227958/PaintingThrough%20the%20Time%20Check%20Doha5-Greig-Leach.html#.V_qbHPArLIU