Giro, Stage 6: A Little Dig

With riders spread all over the mountain (or should I say volcano), it may have been this trio that fans were most interested in.  With attacks jeopardizing their GC positions and the maglia rosa already dropped, it was Chris Froome (Sky) who had a little dig.  He as hoping to gain some time on Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) and Tom Dumoulin (Sunweb).  In the end he didn't have the legs to get away, in fact, he lost some time against Dumoulin.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3161032-29-249297/PaintingA-Little-Dig--G18-29.html

Giro, Stage 6: All Who Matter

This vastly reduced peloton was chasing the even more drastically reduced break away up the final kilometers of the Etna climb.  At this point all of the big names (and GC contenders) were still together, including the Maglia Blanco of Maximilian Schachman (Quick Step), my hometown boy, Ben King (Dimension Data), the Maglia Rosa of Rohan Dennis (BMC) and Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) in his Italian National Champion jersey.  The big M is on the back of Richard Carapaz (Movistar).  The others who are odds on favorites are leading this group, but not really readable in this painting.

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3161026-28-249297/PaintingAll-Who-Matter--G18-28.html

Vuelta, Stage 18: Something to Chase

While the attack of Contador had been pulled back in, it was Fabio Aru (Astana) who's escape plan worked.  As they all headed across the valley to the final climb of the day, Aru was building upwards of a minute and a half on Froome and the rest of the peloton.  The Italian Champion had lost time on the climb yesterday and hoped to pull back that and more on his GC rivals.  Of course, one thing that led me to paint this image was the combination of his tricolore jersey and the red and white sections of the construction barrier to his right.  It is still about making art, after all.

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/Vuelta-2017/3030461-42-239162/PaintingSomething-to-Chase-V-43.html

Vuelta, Stage 14: Dangling Off the Back

For those of you who have been reading my posts over the years will know that I enjoy titling my paintings with words that can have more than one interpretation.  Here, it is Simon Yates (Orica Scott) who is dangling off the back of the elite riders of the Vuelta, but then it is a tail that is dangling off of the back of the cow costume of the cycling fan running along side the elite members of the sport of cycling.  Others hanging around the back of the greatly reduced peloton include, Fabio Aru (Astana), Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondaile), and Tejay van Garderen (BMC).  With the action about to happen at the front, they were in jeopardy of missing the splits has they were sure to happen on the final Haute Catagorie climb to the finish.

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/Vuelta-2017/3026198-22-239162/PaintingDangling-at-the-Back-V-23.html

Vuelta, Stage 11: Who's Back There?

Having done what he could on the front for Chris Froome (Sky) Gianni Moscon (Sky) joined up with one of the groups further down the final climb up to the observatory and the end of the stage.  He was with a group that contained the Italian National Champion, Fabio Aru (Astana) and Michael Woods (Cannondale-Drapac) both of whom were losing more time to Froome.  On the front of this the third group is David de la Cruz (Quickstep) who had an ill-timed puncture and was riding hard to limit his loses.

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/Vuelta-2017/3023717-8-239162/PaintingWho's-Back-There?-V-9.html

Il Lombardia: Get on My Wheel!

Diego Rosa (Astana) was on great form today.  He had repetitively gone on the attack, softening up the others for his team leader, Fabio Aru.  As Aru struggled on the penultimate climb of the rather long day, pulling Davide Villela (Cannondale-Drapac) along with him, Rosa slowed to lend a hand.  Damiano Caruso (BMC) had already been put back into the fold, but others had slipped of the front.  Rosa was there to help put Aru into that group if the pair could manage it.

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/Other%20Cycling%20Art/2860440-27-206768/PaintingGet%20on%20My%20Wheel!%20IL3-Greig-Leach.html#.V_GvqPArLIU

Tour, Stage 19: I've Got This

Astana definitely went out of the neutral section of the 19th stage with a plan in mind.  First they made sure that they got one of their men into the break away.  Next on the climb up the Col de la Forclaz Queige, they put the rest of the team on the front of the already reduced peloton.  The entire team was riding in hopes of moving their leader, Fabio Aru up the leader board.  Andriy Grivko was laying down a hard pace trying to put the hurt on those behind them, but ahead of Aru on the General Classification.  His pace was so intense that Diego Rosa came up along side and gave him the "slow it down" gesture.  Grivko reached over, but his hand on the Italian's back and seemed to say, "I got this.  I'll do my job you do yours."  As Grivko pushed on, Rosa gave him the Italian equivalent of  the finger.  But the team stayed on the Ukrainian's wheel.  With just today and tomorrow to race prior to arriving in Paris, it was now or never to shoot for the podium.

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%202016/2827753-136-224974/PaintingI've%20Got%20This%20TdF137-Greig-Leach.html#.V5KsCrgrLIU

Tour, Stage 18: Turning for Home

The final twists and turns had caught out a few of the riders on their way to the line.  Fortunately for Fabio Aru (Astana) he wasn't one of those that smacked into the barriers.  Aru road a blistering pace that earned him third on the day and solidified his seventh overall.  Aru has been showing why the Astana has been putting this much confidence in the young Italian.  He has proven to be a fitting replacement for team leader since Vincenzo Nibali didn't feel that he could pull off the double of the winning the Giro d'Italia (he did) and the Tour de France (he won't).  Up until Nairo Quintana took the Tour by storm 4 years ago, I don't think I even knew what the Colombian flag looked like.  Now I have seen it all along the roadside of this Tour, every stage, every day.  The Colombian fans are not being treated to a great Tour by Quintana, but Jarlinson Pantano (IAM Cycling) has sure stepped into the breach.

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%202016/2826681-131-224974/PaintingTurning%20for%20Home%20TdF132-Greig-Leach.html#.V5FBD7grLIU

Tour, Stage 15: Changing the Dynamic

The first team that seemed willing (and able) to take on the dominance of Team Sky was Astana.  They took control of the reduce peloton the contained all of the contenders and the Maillot Jaune on the climb up the Grand Colombier.  They kept up the pressure all of the way up and back down the other side.  On the front was the brilliant descender, Vincenzo Nibali.  Nibali is both a former winner of the Tour, and a former Italian National Champion.  The bulk of the team was driving across the valley floor with their leader, Fabio Aru, tacked onto the rear of the sky blue team.  Behind them was the Maillot Jaune on the shoulders of Chris Froome (Sky).  He had seen his support reduced to just two team members so he felt that he would need to keep in touch with the Astana train himself.  Oddly, Movistar and Nairo Quintana didn't join in the effort, but continued their passivity behind the team of the race leader.

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%202016/2824720-108-224974/PaintingChanging%20the%20Dynamic%20TdF109-Greig-Leach.html#.V4whNrgrLIU

Tour, Stage 12: Trading Rides

Near the foot of the first climb of the day, the first of three, each bigger than the other, Fabio Aru (Astana) had an ill-timed flat tire.  With the team car behind the chasing group over a minute behind, Aru took the bike his teammate Jakob Fuglsang had been riding.  Fuglsang could afford to wait for his replacement bike.  Also waiting for his team leader was Alexey Lutsenko, ready to pace Aru back up to the group containing almost all of the contenders.  Each team leader will have a teammate who is close to the same size who will try to stay close by, just in case this very thing needs to happen.  Bike racers come in radically different sizes, while most are small Marcel Seiberg (Lotto Soudal) is six foot six inches tall - a giant by cycling standards.  I image there is no one on his team who can swap bikes with him.

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%202016/2823721-79-224974/PaintingTrading%20Rides%20TdF79-Greig-Leach.html#.V4gITbgrLIU

Dauphine, Stage 6: A Veteran's Advice

The first to attack on the Col de la Madeleine was the young rider from Astana, Fabio Aru.  You may remember that he went late on Stage 3 and managed to hold off the whole of the peloton.  However, today he just seemed to have nothing in his legs.  He had the loyal super domestique, Luis Leon Sanchez, who stayed with him through both the waxing and waning on the stage thus far.  As the peloton closed on the duo, Sanchez took the time to explain why Aru may not have eaten enough.  It almost look as Aru dutifully dug into his jersey pocket for a energy bar.  Behind the duo, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) was closing fast in the super aero-tuck with all of the major players tight on his wheel.

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/2807206-73-185083/Painting.html#.V1zoN_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

Daupine, Stage 3: Hoping to Stay Away

Once the peloton had reeled in the escape of Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep), it was Fabio Aru's (Astana) turn to have a go at a long solo effort to the line.  Aru was joined by Mikel Landa (Sky) and a rider from Lotto Soudal, but neither had the strength to hold onto the Italian's wheel.  Aru didn't not have the best Prologue, so he is a ways back on the overall general classification, but he certainly felt the basically down hill run to the finish suit his bike handling skills.  It takes a rather strong dose of fearlessness to race at this level, so have an extra share.

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/2804818-55-185083/Painting.html#.V1hmtJErLIU

Giro Stage 20: Best Young Rider

Fabio Aru (Astana) claim his second stage victory in a row, in so doing, he also claimed the fourth mountain top finish for his team.  He also solidified his second place standing on the General Classification, and his Maglia Blanco has never been in doubt, Fabio Fellini (Trek Factory Racing) who holds second place in the young rider competition is over forty five minutes behind this young Italian.  Aru pulled back over two minutes on the Maglia Rosa of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo), but the Spaniard knew exactly what his cushion was and seemed to hold back from the all out defense of Pink.  Aru's teammate, Mikel Landa, who had often sacrificed himself for Aru's benefit, earned the final Maglia Azzurro for his efforts on the day.  The young Italian certain has given his countrymen something to cheer about in their home Tour.

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 from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561510---184157/Painting.html#.VWq0UM9Viko

Giro Stage 20: Something to Fight For

This group had managed to drop Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) along with some others whose absence would effect the general classification for most of this very select quintet.  Fabio Aru (Astana) with his teammate on his wheel were over four minutes behind the Maglia Rosa, so while they were gaining time on Contador, it was unrealistic to think that one of them might actually reclaim the coveted Pink Fleece.  For Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) this group meant that he now has a very real chance of finishing in the top five, two minutes more and he might even make the top four.  For the yellow clad Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Soudal) he was looking for that elusive stage win, and even had a long shot at reclaiming his Maglia Azzurro.  Finally, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep) was reclaiming his honor, health, and had the strongest sprint of the group and could therefore honestly hope for the first stage win for himself and his team.

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 from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561508---184157/Painting.html#.VWqxvs9Viko

Giro Stage 19: Fighting for the Stage

Surprisingly, it was Fabio Aru (Astana) that was able to go with the quickly escaping Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin).  Equally unsuspected was Mikel Landa (Astana), Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) who couldn't respond (or chose not to) to the duo's assault on the final climb of the day.  Aru's counter attack shucked the lanky Canadian from his wheel and go on to claim his first stage in the 98th Giro d'Italia.  The victory had to sooth some of the bruising had taken over the last couple of days.  I'm sure it left in no doubt who the rightful team leader should be on the Kazakhstani team.  For his part, Hesjedal moved himself further up the standings, but had to accept second place on the stage.  He can celebrate moving from 9th overall up to 7th even if he didn't get to raise his arms in victory at the line in Cervinia.

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.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 19: He's the First to Attack

Once the elite of the 98th Giro d'Italia had put Giovanni Visconti (Movistar) and Pavel Kochetkov (Katusha) back into the peloton (and right back out the other end), those on the business end of affairs knew that there was a stage victory for the one who could get away.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) has just been getting stronger and stronger as the Giro nears its final stage.  With about 10 kilometer to the summit and the finish line on the day, he was the first to jump away from the those on the top of the leader board.  Hesjedal was in the position to move further up the GC himself since the man ahead of him by seven seconds was already over a minute behind this talent group.  The first to try and counter the Canadian's move was the Maglia Rosa himself, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo).  Once Contador chased, Mikel Landa and his teammate, Fabio Aru (Astana) along with the Maglia Azurro, Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) had to jump onto the Spaniard's wheel.

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.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 18: Not Enjoying Their Own Medicine

Tinkoff Saxo and Alberto Contador got the opportunity to exact revenge on the pale blue boys of Team Astana today.  Try as they might, Tanel Kangert, Fabio Aru and Mikel Landa were unable to chase back onto the wheel of the Maglia Rosa.  It was a bit curious that Astana's Director Sportif called back Landa, to help assist Aru's chase.  With Landa starting the day 50 seconds ahead of his teammate, and obviously climbing better that the Italian in the Maglia Blanco, it seems that Astana's valuable asset should have been put to the aide of the man who had given the team two stage victories thus far.  I'm sure there were factors that I am unaware of, but the strategy left all three Astana riders losing time to Contador although Kangert is well out of the classification chase.

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,  They are a lovely family run art supply business with some really fine products.  This painting is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2560836---184157/Painting.html#.VWfbQM_BzGc

Giro Stage 16: Tifosi

Once Fabio Aru (Astana) knew that the big gamble attack didn't succeed, I think his heart's ability to suffer went away from him like the fleeing Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo).  He knew that his teammate, Mikel Landa, had been sitting in trying to help him.  Once he folded, he told Landa to go with Contador since Aru could not.  Andrey Amador (Movistar) joined the fading Aru and the pair did the best they could sloughing up the sometimes 18% climb and fighting their way through the over zealous fans.

Many cycling fans will spend the night to ensure a great position on the monumental climbs of the Grand Tours.  Unfortunately, there isn't much to do while they wait but drink.  So when the struggling racers arrive, the tifosi can be more of a hindrance than an encouragement as they run alongside in oft bizarre costumes, screaming in the ears of those on the limit of their abilities.  Other fans more interested in the photo op than the racers' being able to have a clear path, will jump into the road after the escorting motorcycles pass and snap pictures and selfies.  It may be a souvenir of the race, but it can also be a souvenir of their own arrogance or stupidity.

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.  The 4"x6" painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular art work for $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559990---184157/Painting.html#.VWUUSvlViko

Giro Stage 16: With Authority

First, I can't believe that BeIn Sports went to commercial just as Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) caught up to the Astana duo of Fabio Aru and Mikel Landa!  Who thought that was a good idea.  So I have know idea if the Maglia Rosa said anything about the attack in the valley.  But I do know that the Spaniard let his legs do the talking.  He didn't even slow when he caught his quarry.  Prior to Contador's arrival, Landa had obviously been holding back to keep his team leader on his wheel.  Aru was suffering.  As was Yury Trofimov (Katusha), it was his GC placement that set first Katusha on the offensive and prompt Astana to chase across the valley, so Contador had no interest in letting any of these guys catch his wheel.

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.  The 4"x6" painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular art work for $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559988---184157/Painting.html#.VWUQ8_lViko