Tour de France, Final Stage: Claiming Four

As the peloton circled the monuments on the Champs Elysees the cobbles continued to try out.  By the time the peloton entered the bell lap the sun had even peered out from behind the clouds.  With dry roads under their wheels the sprinters were sure to treat us to a spectacular dash for the final line of the Tour.  They didn't disappoint.  Although it was the big gorilla himself, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) that should everyone else that he is the sprinter of this Tour de France.  Alexandre Kristoff (Katusha) had the early lead coming out of the final corner, and Bryan Coquard (Europcar) had the fastest closing speed, but Greipel was the one to put it together perfectly.  His victory on the Champs Elysees gave him his fourth stage victory in the 102nd Tour de France.  Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo) was washed away in the sprint coming across the line seventh, but his fourth Maillot Vert was unassailable.  The one with the biggest disappointment was the Manx Missile, Mark Cavendish (Etixx Quickstep) who's sixth place on the stage was not what he had hoped four has he struggled over the Alps this past week.

This is an original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Be aware, since this is an original work of art, once it has sold, it is gone.  I would recommend not delaying.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2586370-150-210122/Painting.html#.VbY2j_lVikp

Tour de France, Stage 20: Some Time in Hand

Chris Froome (Team Sky) was fortunate to enter the penultimate stage with a 2 minute and 48 second advantage over the Maillot Blanc of the Colombian climber, Nairo Quintana (Movistar). As this small group struggled to catch the fleeing Quintana, Froome was left with only his loyal teammate, Richie Porte to aid in the chase.  On Froome's wheel was Quintana's teammate, Alejandro Valverde.  The Spanish Champion had to just sit on the race leader's wheel, ready to attack if his team leader should falter.  Pierre Rolland (Europcar) who was named the most aggressive rider on yesterday's stage was happy to ride the wheels of those who had hopes of a high finish on the GC of the Tour de France.

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, www.richesonart.com.  They are a wonderful small family run art supply company based in the northern mid-west of the United States.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  As it is a one of a kind original work of art, you may not want to delay your purchase, because when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2585890-141-210122/Painting.html#.VbSHxPlViko

Tour de France, Stage 19: Let's Go Together

Ignorant of the drama behind, Pierre Rolland (Europcar) had pressed his advantage from the summit of the Col du Chaussy to pry open a nice lead on the descent.  He continued his attack across the valley and over the top of the Col du Mollard.  Ignoring his possible faux pas, Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) continued his attack on the group containing the Maillot Jaune and the rest of the big names of the Tour, eventually catching the Frenchman leading the stage.  As Nibali caught up to Rolland, he reached out to encourage the rider for Movistar to join him in a combined effort to leave the rest of the peloton behind.  Perhaps he even offered the stage victory to Rolland if he helped him gain as much time on the others as possible.

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, www.richesonart.com.  They are a small family run art supply business in the mid-west of the United States.  This painting is available, along with all of my cycling art, at my artist website, www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  It is an original painting, so once it has sold, it is gone.  I would recommend not delaying.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2584707-130-210122/Painting.html#.VbKikflViko

Tour de France, Stage 18: Chasing One Man

With their countryman Romain Bardet (Ag2r) up the road, the quartet of Cyril Gautier and Pierre Rolland from Europcar, along with Bob Jungels (Trek Factory Racing) and Winner Anacona (Movistar) chased as hard as they could.  The final climb up Lacets de Montvernier was a new one to the Tour having never been scaled by the peloton, or any other Pro Tour race.  It was an amazing zig zagging scaling of a cliff wall that included 17 switchbacks to reach the top.  Fortunately, these men in spandex didn't have to come down this "Jacob's Ladder".  Try as they might the loan Frenchman continued to pull away from this foursome, even on the climb.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson & Co., www.richesonart.com.  They are a small US based family run art supply company that has really wonderful products for art making.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Be aware that because it is an original one of a kind work, once it has sold it is gone. So, don't delay.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2584034-122-210122/Painting.html#.VbFLhflViko

Tour de France, Stage 16: The Mountains Await

The early break away formed about 30 kilometers into the second longest stage of the 102nd Tour de France.  Originally, it was a group of twenty four riders, but it broke apart under the influence of Peter Sagan (Tinkoff Saxo).  The Slovak rider was in the break to amass maximum points in the Maillot Vert competition and arriving at the sprint with no other sprinters in tow seems the best way to claim his fourth Green Jersey in as many years.  Imanol Ervitti (Movistar), Michal Golas (Etixx-Qucikstep), Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) and Adam Hansen (Lotto Soudal) found themselves part of the second group on the road.  Everyone had to cross this long flat valley road with the Alps looming over their heads.  Today featured two climbs over the Col de Cabre and the Col de Manse on the run into Gap and the second Rest Day.

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, www.richesnonart.com.  They are a small family run art supply company located in the North Central United States.  In addition this painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting, so when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2582664---210122/Painting.html#.Va1uxflViko

Tour de France, Stage 13, Can We Stay Away?

This trio comprised of Wilco Kelderman (LottoNL-Jumbo), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Cyril Gautier (Europcar), is the stronger half of the original break away.  The break was established with less than half of a kilometer covered in the stage.  Now with less the two kilometers of the 198 of the stage left to go Kelderman was looking over his shoulder to see if they had enough of a gab to stay away until the end.  I am not sure he was going to like what he would see.

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 $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting so when it is gone, it is gone.  I would advise against delaying if you see one you want.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2581560---210122/Painting.html#.ValSr_lViko

Tour de France Stage 11: On Their Way Up

On the heels of a most difficult first stage in the Pyrennes, today the peloton set out to conquer to of the infamous climbs of the Tour.  This break of Thomas Voeckler (Europcar), Serge Pauwels (MTN-Qhubeka), Rafal Majka (Tinkoff Saxo) and Emanuel Buchman (Bora-Argon 18) amongst others were the first to hit the lower slopes of the Col d'Aspin.  Voeckler was hoping to repeat some of his earlier career exploits where he has escaped the peloton and gone on to solo for a victory.  Having Majka along might make that a little more difficult to achieve.

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 for just $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2580828---210122/Painting.html#.Vaaf5_lViko

Tour de France Stage 9: Counting Heads

Thomas Voeckler may not be the designated GC man for Europcar, (his bib number does not end in a number 1), but he is clearly the team leader on the road.  As his team approached the finishing straight, it was Voeckler who was counting heads to make sure that they had at least five guys coming to the line together.  The Team Time Trial takes the time of the fifth rider to cross the line to determine the teams placing on the day, so the former French National Champion want to make siure he wasn't causing a teammate to drop off of the back.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  In addition this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Don't delay, this is an original work of art, so when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2579662---210122/Painting.html#.VaLQl_lViko

Tour de France Stage 6: Classic Voeckler

Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) can be counted on to add a spark to a stage.  He had helped his sprinter, Bryan Coquard, to contest the intermediate sprint.  Those who sprint always get a gap on the peloton as they vie for sprinting points, however the usual pattern is for the sprinters to sit up and wait for the group to catch back on.  Voeckler knew this pattern and used the gap and the expectation to launch an attack on the peloton,  While is antics usually fail there are times when he is widely successful.  He has used just such an attack on two different Tours that had him in the Maillot Jaune for 10 consecutive days on both occasions.  Today turned out to be another failed effort.

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.  They are a family run art supply company located in the northern midwest United States.  You can find them on the web at www.richesonart.com.  You can find this painting and many others at my artist website at www.greigleach.com and you can purchase this painting for only $60 USD while you are there.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.  Remember, this is an original work of art, so when it is gone, it is gone.  Don't delay, you don't want to miss your chance to have a unique treasure from the 102nd Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2578478---210122/Painting.html#.VZ7JlvlViko

Tour de France Stage 6: Three in a Row

Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) put himself into yet another break away in the opening week of the Tour de France.  Quemeneur was joined in the effort, that went away with just five kilometers gone, by Daniel Teklehamanent (MTN-Qhubeka) and Kenneth Van Bilsen (Cofidis).  Teklehamanent started the day with the plan of fulfilling a childhood dream, a dream of wearing the Mailliot Pois in a Tour de France.  All he had to do was get over all three Category 4 climbs first.  As his teammate, Tyler Farrar, said, "Easy to say on the bus, an entirely different think to accomplish out on the road."  But accomplish it he did, making him the first black African to wear a King of the Mountain Jersey in one of the Grand Tours.  Van Bilsen's presence in the break marks the first time that the French team, Cofidis as showed their bright red kit to the TV cameras in this Tour.

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.  They are a family run art supply company located in the northern midwest United States.  You can find them on the web at www.richesonart.com.  You can find this painting and many others at my artist website at www.greigleach.com and you can purchase this painting for only $60 USD while you are there.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2578442---210122/Painting.html#.VZ7CEvlViko

Tour de France Stage 5: Playing Mechanic

Professional bike racing is a team sport.  Riders need to rely on their teammates to help them when mechanics and the team car aren't around to help out.  When Bryan Coquard (Europcar) went down on a wet corner it was his veteran teammate and countryman, Thomas Voeckler, who stop along side the younger Frenchman.  Voeckler helped Coquard up and quickly check out the bike making sure it was fit for the pair to chase back on to the peloton.  Voeckler is letting out some of the air in the tires.  On wet roads a lower tire pressure affords better road traction, so the veteran's action would help ensure that Coquard would be more able to handle the wet roads of Northern France.

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.  They are a small family run art supply company located in north central United States with incredible high quality supplies for artists and crafters alike.  You can learn more at their website, www.richesonart.com.  This work, and all of my cycling artwork, is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember, this is a one of a kind original, so don't delay, once this painting is gone, it is gone!

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2578250---210122/Painting.html#.VZ3EKflViko

Tour de France Stage 4: Riding Into Hell

Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) left the break away companions behind as they charged over the cobblestones, sucked in the rolling dust and endured the screaming fans on their way over the #6 section of pave.  By this point, the Tour de France was finally racing on French soil, even if some of it was now in the lungs of racers, mechanics and fans alike.  Notice that teams will station soigneurs along the sections of pave with wheels held aloft should their man have a mechanical.  The roads are so narrow that it can take minutes for the team car to get to a rider should he need assistance.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577808---210122/Painting.html#.VZyr2flViko

Tour de France Stage 4: On to the Pave

Stage 4 continued the Spring Classics theme with the peloton cross seven sections of pave that are used in "The Hell of the North" otherwise known as Paris-Roubaix.  These four went off from the drop of the Depart flag building up an eight minute advantage over the nervous peloton.  Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) managed to get into the second break away in three days (his team has been represented in all three).  Joining Quemeneur were Lieuwe Westra (Astana), Arnaud Gerard (Bretagne Seche) and Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal).  By the time the foursome reached the first section of pave the peloton was only 70 seconds behind them.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577802---210122/Painting.html#.VZymWflViko

Tour de France Stage 3: Wide Open Roads

The Tour left the roads of the Netherlands crossing onto the flat wide open roads of Belgium.  The early breakaway seems to have found the only stretch of the entire stage that wasn't chocked full of cycling crazed Belgians.  Jan Barta (Bora-Argon 18) who had managed to get into the break yesterday, was joined by Bryan Naulleau (Europcar), Louis Meintjes (MTN-Qhubeka) and Martin Elimger (IAM Cycling).  Elimger is no stranger to the heart break of a Tour de France break away.  He and a fellow escapee where caught just 50 meters from the line as the peloton swooped into Nimes in the 2014 Tour de France.  The open roads can often lead to strong cross roads so you can be sure that the peloton behind was keeping a watchful eye on wind speed and direction.

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, a family run art supply company with incredible products for all sorts of artistic endeavors.  Their website is www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But don't delay, since it is an original there is only one of these paintings available and you wouldn't want to miss your opportunity to have a piece of art from the 102nd Tour de France.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577150---210122/Painting.html#.VZtsrPlViko

Tour de France Stage 2: Parting the Sea

Stage 2 was the opening of the road racing in this year's Tour.  The peloton left Utrecht heading for the wide open flats of the Dutch country side covering 166 kilometers on their way to the edge of the North Sea and Zelande.  This group of four wasted no time getting away from the peloton, attacking as soon as the neutral zone came to an end and the racing flag was dropped.  The foursome of Amindo Fonseca (Bretagne Seche), Jan Barta (Bora-Argon 18), Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar), and Stef Clement (IAM Cycling) were never able to gain more than two minutes on those behind.  The stage profile showed that it would be a day for the sprinters unless the notorious winds of the Netherlands blew apart the peloton.

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 for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But do hurry, since it is an original there is only one of these to be had.  International shipping is available, too.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2576846---210122/Painting.html#.VZoghvlViko

Paris Roubaix: Waiting on the Train

Professional bike racing is done on the open road.  While the gendarme do all they can to close off the roadways, the trains still have a time schedule to keep.  It seems that every year some group of riders are caught at a railroad crossing as the gates come down across the road.  This year more riders than normal skirted around the gates trying to beat the train, which should call for disqualification.  Instead those that went through as the gates began to close where held by the referee until this group rejoined them.  At least for all involved, it was a TGV bullet train so the wait wasn't long at all.  Not so good for those trying to join back on from behind.  Some of those waiting impatiently included; Julien Morcie (Europcar), Yaroslav Popovych (Trek Factory Racing) and Dylan Van Baarle (Cannondale Garmin).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular watercolor just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about Paris Roubaix with the accompanying artwork, be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France".  It can be found through most every online bookseller around the world.  Google the title to discover where you can get a copy and avoid international shipping charges.

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Paris Nice Stage 5: Not Good News

For the break, comprised of Egor Silin (Tinkoff Saxo), Pawel Poljanski (Katusha), Romain Sicard (Europcar), Andrew Talansky (Cannondale Garmin) and Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal), the time keeper's chalkboard did not reveal good news at all.  With 14 kilometers left to race to Rasteau, the board shows only a 50 second advantage on the fast charging peloton.  The racers only have one more small climb to go so the teams of the sprinters are most anxious to put these guys safely back in the fold.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  If you interested in purchasing this original artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Enjoying reading about a bike race with these accompanying paintings?  Then check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most online booksellers around the world, so google the title to find where you can get it without paying international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525044---195767/Painting.html#.VQMqZPzF-xU

Paris Nice Stage 5: Making Their Own Luck

Andrew Talansky (Cannondale Garmin) had some bad luck yesterday, so today (despite it being Friday the 13th) he decided to create his own luck.  He joined Romain Sicard (Europcar), Pawel Poljanski (Katusha), Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal) and Egor Silin (Tinkoff Saxo) in a long run at making the break away work.  De Gendt was riding to secure his hold on the Polka Dots of the King of the Mountains.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  If you interested in purchasing this original artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Enjoying reading about a bike race with these accompanying paintings?  Then check out my recently published Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most online booksellers around the world, so google the title to find where you can get it without paying international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525034---195767/Painting.html#.VQMnzvzF-xU

Paris Nice Stage 1: Scoring First

Team Katusha played its cards right on this long flat stage.  They managed to stay off of the front of the peloton saving their energy for the last kilometer of the stage.  That way they were able to lead the fast Norwegian, Alexander Kristoff, to the final sprint.  So it was Kristoff who score the first sprint of the 2015 Paris Nice in the town of Contres.  He was followed across the finishing line by two French sprinters, Nacer Bouhani (Cofidis) in second, and Bryan Coquard (Europcar) in third.  All three sprinters were far enough behind race leader Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-Quickstep) that they did not effect his hold on the Maillot Jaune.

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 just follow the direct link at the end of this post for only $50 USD.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about cycling with this accompanying artwork be sure to check out my recently publish book on the Tour de France, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online book sellers around the world, just google the title to learn where you can get your copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2522866---195767/Painting.html#.VP6IOfzF-xU

Paris Nice Stage 1: Off on Their Own

On paper the first road stage of  Paris Nice looked to be one for the sprinters, however, ever aggressive Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) had something else in mind.  Voeckler was joined in a very long break away attempt by fellow countyman, Anthony Delaplace (Bretagne-Seche).  Voeckler became the darling of French cycling by a similar move that put him into the Yellow Jersey for 10 days in the Tour de France.  I am sure he was hoping to have a similar result today.

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, the 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 for only $50 USD.  International shipping is available.

If you are enjoying reading about cycling with this accompanying artwork be sure to check out my recently publish book on the Tour de France, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online book sellers around the world, just google the title to learn where you can get your copy and avoid international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2522852---195767/Painting.html#.VP53vfzF-xU