Tour Femmes '26, Stage 8: Nouveau Maillot Jaune

Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) held off the chasing duet of Kasia Niewiadoma and Elise Longo Borghini down the final climb and onto the Avenue des Anglais on the coastline of Nice.  She finished seventeen seconds ahead of those she left behind at the summit which is enough to put her into the next Maillot Jaune.  With her time bonus over the other two, she now sits in yellow by eight seconds.  Twice the advantage that Niewiadoma had when she won the Tour de France Femmes two years ago.  Will Vollering be able to defend her jersey tomorrow or while the lead change hands yet again?  I feel I must point out that as of yet once someone has lost the Maillot Jaune they have not reclaimed it.  Will that change tomorrow? Will someone new claim the final yellow jersey, or will Vollering defend it successfully?

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Nouveau Maillot Jaune TdFF26-55" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 7: The Leaders Are Leading Up Mont Ventoux

You may be able to tell, but I changed the title of this painting between the ink work and the color work adding "the leaders are" to what I had originally written.  Because with just over ten kilometers of climbing to go, it was just the top three on the general classification that were in the lead, alone.  Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez), the European Champion, had made the first attack that separated her, Marlen Reusser (Movistar) in the Maillot Jaune and Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) from all of the other contenders in the Tour de France Femmes.  I do enjoy the young kid bedecked in his freebie polka dot t-shirt and hat passed out by the publicity caravan watching the Tour Femmes with their dad.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "The Leaders Are Leading Up Mont Ventoux TdFF26-44" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 5: The Perfect Ending

Well, it was a perfect ending for all of the work that Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) and her team had put in all day long.  She came into Belleville en Beaujolais with Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) and Marlen Reusser (Movistar).  It was Niewiadoma who got the jump on the other two, but faded as Vollering and Reusser chased her down.  They both came around the Polish star with only fifty meters to the line.  In the end it was Vollering in her European Champion's jersey who raised her arms in victory.  Just behind her were Reusser who we can see and Niewiadoma whom we can not.  The three are now the top three in the general classification, with Reusser holding her Maillot Jaune, Vollering in second and Niewiadoma holding the third step of the podium.  There is just over a minute between the three but the first two are only twelve seconds apart.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "The Perfect Ending TdFF26-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 5: Leading Up the Brouilly

Mont Brouilly was the final climb of the day, the final out of eight categorized climbs!  It proved to be the climb that changed the general classification in unexpected ways.  As they climbed, it was Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) that kept attacking the others hoping to go alone to the finish and into the Maillot Jaune.  But each attacked was matched by Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM).  Not quite as quick to respond was Marlen Reusser (Movistar) in the Yellow Jersey.  She did manage to get back on every time, however.  Isabella Homgren (Lidl-Trek) was hanging tough until the descent down the other side of the climb.  She was close to claiming the Maillot Blanc, but that went to Niewiadoma's teammate Antonia Niedermaier.  It was just Vollering, Reusser, and Niewiadoma that came together to sprint it out for the stage in Belleville en Beaujolais.  

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Leading Up the Brouilly TdFF26-31" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 1: First Points

The first pass through the finish line at Plumelec counted as the intermediate sprint today.  Jumping clear of the peloton was the European Champion Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) to claim the first sprint points towards the Maillot Vert.  She will need to come in at least second to have the jersey at the start tomorrow.  That being said, she will wear it unless she wins the stage because whomever wins will be wearing the first Maillot Jaune of this Tour de France Femmes.  Taking second in the sprint is the German Champion Franziska Koch (Picnic-PostNL).  While she didn't mind getting some points, she was starting her countermove off the front after the sprint.  Generally speaking, the peloton sits up after the sprint, so it is a great time to go on the offensive.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"First Points TdFF25-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 8: Adding to His Collection

Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) has been perfect at sprinting against the bunch in every intermediate sprint in this Tour thus far.  Today, he was able to sprint for the maximum of twenty points in Vitre. I keep thinking this is close to the French word for 'fast.'  Milan was certainly fast.  Try as the might, the trio of Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep), Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) and Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) couldn't get within a half a bike length of the guy wearing the Maillot Vert.  At this point he sits in second place in the sprinters' competition, but this addition to his collection of points will set him up to retake the lead at the stage's finale.  Milan just missed getting his first Tour de France stage win when Merlier beat him in a photo finish.  I'm worried about Girmay, he just doesn't have the pop that won him that same green jersey last year.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Adding to His Collection TdF25-49" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 5 ITT, Perfect Form

The European Time Trial Champion Edoardo Affini (Visma-Lease a Bike) went out early on today's Individual Time Trial.  The racers start in reverse order of where they stand in the general classification so the person in last goes first, and the person in the Maillot Juane of race leader goes last.  Don't be fooled by where he started the day, he is a very strong specialist in the 'race of truth.'  In fact, he was the fastest when he finished his thirty-three kilometer effort.  Unfortunately for him, some of the very, very best were yet to race.  Spoiler alert: He concluded the day taking third in the stage.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Perfect Form TdF25-25" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 2: Pissed Off

Despite having won the intermediate sprint behind the four-man breakaway, Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) was pissed off at Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) over some perceived infraction.  For the life of me I couldn't see what made him go full Italian waving his hands all over the place.  If anything, Grimay should have been the one with the complaint as the Italian had tried to push the Eritrean off of his lead-out man's wheel.  While they were arguing, Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) - the European Champion - had taken the spot in-between the two.  And the Maillot Jaune on the shoulders of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was the fourth across the intermediate sprint line of the peloton in  Enocq.  

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Pissed Off TdF25-9" (Original art by Greig Leach)

This painting has sold!

Paris Roubaix Femmes '25: Going Together

With just one woman up the road, it was Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) and her teammate Lorena Wiebes going on the attack.  The duo of champions used the four-star pave sector 12 to attack the vastly reduced peloton of favorites to go on the offensive.  Working together, they quickly built up a twenty second advantage.  It was hard to tell who was working for whom between the World Champion and the European Champion.  However, it was easy to tell that it was working either way.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Going Together PR25-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 1: The First to Celebrate

With a perfectly timed surge to the line, Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) took the opening stage of Paris Nice - and the first Yellow Jersey - by several bike lengths.  His sprint showed why he wears the European Champion's jersey.  Of course, he will be wearing a different jersey at the start of Stage 2.  Naturally, he will also be the first owner of the Green Jersey of the best sprinter, but that will be worn by the guy who came second on the stage, Arnaud Demare (Arkea-B&B Hotels).

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The work sells for $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"The First to Celebrate PN25-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France Femmes 23, Stage 8: Almost a Minute

As Marlen Reusser (SD Worx-Protime) in her European Time Trial Champion's jersey made the final turn of the out and back course in Pau, it was looking like she might beat the just set new best time of Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez) by a minute.  When she got to the line it he time was forty seconds better than the Australian Champion.  She had the new best time, a time that won her the stage even after the Maillot Jaune finished her ride.  The only two to seriously challenge her lead were her own teammates.  Clearly, there is a reason that SD Worx-Protime have the yellow bib numbers of the best team in the Tour.  It does seem appropriate that the markings on the road seemed to mimic the checker flag of the winner of the race.

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-2023/3969044-191-297438/Painting/almost-a-minute-tdff23-47.html

 

Gent-Wevelgem 23, Men's Race: Each Chasing the Others

On the "climb" of hill 63 (a whooping 63 kilometers above sea level) Fabio Jakobsen (Soudal-Quick Step) bedecked in his European Champion's jersey could see his prey just up the road.  He was trying to bridge across to the five man group who had managed to ride away from the peloton.  They in turn were chasing the early break away who were just about to summit the climb.  Everyone has spent long miles racing in the cold, wet, breezy roads of Flanders all in search of cycling glory.  Jakobsen never did make the juncture.  And once caught by the peloton again, soon found himself off the back thanks to this effort.  Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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, but yes international shipping is both available and extra.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3942439-509-195767/Painting/each-chasing-the-others-gw23-2.html

Tour Femmes '22, Stage 4: Chemin Blanc

The men's Tour had the cobbles used in Paris Roubaix.  Today the women got to race on the white gravel vineyard roads used in Paris Tours.  Both are difficult, dirty and can really change the complexion of the race for the Maillot Jaune at the end of the race.  As the peloton hit Sector 3, Chemin Blanc des Hautes Forets, it was the European Champion Ellen Van Dijk (Trek-Segafredo) pushing the pace for her teammates.  On her wheel are three of the women from Team SD Worx including Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Demi Vollering.  Not sure who the Movistar rider is who is moving up on her right.  It was a bit of a challenge to capture the visual sense of the clouds of dust, but nothing compared to what it must be to ride in it.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

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

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3896026-163-294403/Painting/chemin-blanc-tdff22-22.html

Paris Nice: A Race of Specialists

Yet another mistake in the title... so it goes.  The first two paintings from the individual time trial show both the Australian and European Champioins.  This is a race that some focus their careers on and some that just are never able to conquer the race against the clock.  Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) is a member of the former group.  He would have to be in order to be wearing the jersey of European Champion.  When Kung went through the intermediate check he was less than a second behind the leader thus far, Rohan Dennis.  Kung ended his ride in second place, but dropped to fourth once the day was over.

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Paris-Nice/3871408-53-272742/Painting/a-race-of-specialists-pn22-16.html

Women's Omloop: A Drink on the Leberg

As the women took to the course, and after the men at that.  It looked as though the lion share of the peloton was going to stay together the whole way through.  As the group headed up the Leberg, their teams had stationed soignuers along the side of road ready with a wheel, a bottle, or just to cheer their teammates on.  It was the other European Champion on the road today, Ellen Van Dijk (Trek-Segafredo) reaching out to her guy for a bottle just before the racing turned truly serious with another 36 kilometers to race.  

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Professional-Womens-Cycling/3868966-23-207546/Painting/a-drink-on-the-leberg-ohn22-7.html

Men's Omloop: What Are They Saying?

I would love to know what Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Victorious) and Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) were taking about.  Colbrelli, the European Champion, was the only one in this five man break that didn't have a teammate.  Van Aert had Tiesj Benoot to work on his behalf.  At the front of the group were the Ineos-Grenadiers duo of Jhonatan Narvaez and Tom Pidcock.  Clearly it is an advantage to have a teammate in the break with you.  Colbrelli will have to chase any attacks whereas the others can share the duties of keeping other escapees in check.

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 $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3868963-456-195767/Painting/what-are-they-saying-ohn22-04.html

Paris Roubaix: In Pursuit

Jeremy Lecroq (B&B Hotels) knew a good wheel to latch onto.  When Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Victorious) went off the front of the pursuers in search of the duo up the road, only Lecroq had the legs to go with the European Champion.  The duo were using the smoother roads to try and bridge across.

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/Spring-Classics-2021/3840222-59-290150/Painting/in-pursuit-pr21-12.html

TDF,Stage 20: Just Ahead

As Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) went through the second time check he was a quarter of a second faster than Kasper Asgreen.  Kung is both the Swiss naitonal champion and the European time trial champion.  The European jersey takes pecedence over the national jersey so here he is in a white jersey with blue bands and gold stars.  Unfortunately for Kung, he faded a bit over the last six kilometers of the course finishing the day fourth on the stage.

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/2021-Tour-de-France/3824549-132-291436/Painting/just-ahead-tdf21-131.html

TDF, Stage 5 ITT: Is It Enough?

That had to be the question in the European Time Trial Champion's mind as he came to the final corners of today's individual time trial.  Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) had set the best time at the two previous check points, but it is the final line that matters.  He did have the best time by almost 45 seconds when he got there.  But alas, it wasn't quite enough to end the day as the winner of the stage.  He did managed to do well enough to hold second in the first time trial of the 2021 Tour de France.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth 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/2021-Tour-de-France/3821232-29-291436/Painting/is-it-enough-tdf21-28.html

Ronde Van Vlaanderen: Plenty of Time to Celebrate

This was Bridget's favorite from these paintings of the Women's Ronde Van Vlaanderen.  When she first looked at it she exclaimed, "Movie Star."  You must know that she is an actor.  You can find her on imdb.com by searching Bridget Gethins.  Annemiek Van Vleutin (Movistar) was able to build on her advantage that she opened up on the final climb of the day holding off some of the great women racing this season.  She had enough time to celebrate in style as she crossed the line to win Ronde Van Vlaanderen for the second time in her career.  It was ten years ago when she last won in Flanders.  She is now the only woman currently racing to claim a victory in this Flanders Classic.  And she did it while wearing the European Champion's jersey and on her new team.

I had hoped to be painting both the women's and men's Paris-Roubaix, but it has been postponed until early October due to a resurgence of Covid-19 in France.  It does worry me that the Tour de France may meet the same fate as the Hell of the North. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since ti is an original work of art, it is a first come first seved reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburth 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/Spring-Classics-2021/3804623-31-290150/Painting/plenty-of-time-to-celebrate-rvv21-6.html