Tour Down Under '23, Stage 3: Uncontested

The early break away of Fabio Felline (Astana-Qazaqstan) and Mikkel Honore (EF Education-EasyPost) seemed to have reached a deal as they rode off the front of the peloton.  Honore had taken the first of the King of the Mountain climbs, and left it to Felline to take each of the two intermediate sprints out on the road.  So as the pair came through the Williamstown, the few fans on the side of the road didn't actually get to see them sprint it out.  However, there was a real effort for the final bonus second when the peloton came through about three and a half minutes later.

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-Down-Under/3928149-162-194179/Painting/uncontested-tdu23-16.html

Paris Nice 2022: Looking for the Sun

The nickname of Paris Nice is the 'race to the sun' but I don't think that moniker fits this the 80th edition of the race.  Today's race was wet and cold just like the Queen stage yesterday.  Sickness has also plaqued the peloton this year, although not a positive Covid test in the bunch.  It seems we still have the old fashion flu to deal with too.  That is why Gabio Felline (Astana Qazaqstan) was the last member of his team to still be in the race, and that isn't the only team left with just one man still competing.  Felline was enjoying the benefit of Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) working hard to bring his team leader, Pierre Latour, back to front of the race after a poorly time flat tire.

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/3872080-76-272742/Painting/looking-for-the-sun-pn22-39.html

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Giving Chase

The duo of Fabio Felline (Trek-Segafredo) and Dylan Van Baarle (Cannondale Drapac) hit the bottom of the Taaienberg with a lead of about thirty seconds on the peloton, but trailing the lone figure of Philippe Gilbert (Quickstep) by almost a minute.  Like E3 Harelbeke last week and Paris Roubaix next, the Ronde van Vlaanderen is punctuated with steep cobbled climbs lined by screaming cycling fans, many whom have spent the day enjoying the fine beers of Belgium.

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.

It seems that the gremlins have reappeared in my interface with technology.  I am unable to upload the artwork to my website so if you are interested in purchase this piece please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 3: Tickled Pink

Winning a stage in one of the three Grand Tours is a rare moment in any professional cyclist career. To win one while wearing the Tour's leader's jersey is a special moment indeed.  So it was for Michael Matthews (Orica GreenEdge) as he threw his arms wide in the pure joy of the accomplishment.  Matthews held off Fabio Felline (Trek Factory Racing) and Philippe Gilbert (BMC).  Gilbert had been collecting points and bonus seconds along the road apparently targeting the  Giro's Sprinter's Jersey (although he didn't make it into this painting).  Just missing the podium in Sestri Levante is Francesco Gavazzi (Southeast).

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available for purchase through my artists website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post to get your piece of the 98th Giro d'Italia.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2553050---184157/Painting.html#.VVGNWiHBzGc

Giro Day Eighteen: Friends Along the Way

This is one of the many reasons that I love the Giro d'Italia, Felline knew that he had friends up the road, so he jumped out of the peleton looking like he was going on an attack to catch up to the break away.  The next time the TV Moto catches him in the lens, he is hugging two friends along the side of the course.  Once the peleton caught back up to him, he kissed the cheeks of his friends jumped back on the bike and got on with the race at hand.  The first time I watched the Giro, it was the birthday of a rider in the peleton and they were going to ride through his home town.  He rode ahead and joined a party on the side of the course.  When the peleton arrived, he handed out pastries to the riders, as they got back to riding they took the trays of desserts with them, making sure everyone had a treat.  When they got to the end of town, they passed the trays to fans and got back to the hard task of the Giro.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and like all of the works in this series, it was created with cake watercolors, brushes and paper from www.Richesonart.com  Also, this work is available for purchase at my artist website, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2153265---184157/Painting.html#.UaVAsMvD_IU

Giro Day Thirteen: The Final Climb of the Day

This is the break of the day still away at about 70 K still to go, they are about to crest the final climb of the day.  While nothing like the mountains of the last two days, it was short and very steep.  More like some of the fabled climbs of the Arden.  I am not sure what the tifosi in the red suit  signed said, I don't read Italian, but he sure looked like he was trying to be a Santa Claus.  This break comprised of riders from Vacansoliel, Argos Shimano, Katusha, Androni-Giocattoli Venezuela, stay away until inside of the last kilometer of the race.  It is always so heartbreaking to see them get caught within sight of the finishing line.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and can be yours by visiting my artist web site.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2151521---184157/Painting.html#.UaAqicvD_IU

Giro Day Thirteen: Cold & Wet

Another wet day at the Giro and another break away.  The rain doesn't stop thousands and thousands of fans from coming out to watch the race fly by, some are rather picturesque along the side of the road.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard and is available for sale through a 3 day auction on ebay.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post, but hurry, the auction begins as soon as this post is published.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251276558445