Tour '25, Stage 9: Doctor's Visit

Georg Zimmermann (Intermarche-Wanty) had a crash that sent him sliding across the tarmac and into the rough grass at the side of the road. Since there are no time-outs in cycling, Zimmermann had to get his wounds dressed by hanging on to the medic's car as his abrasions were cleaned and bandaged.  The only time a rider is able to hold onto a race vehicle is when they are being treated by the race doctor.  I once had a similar crash in an amateur race.  I was done for the day.  I was also done with bike racing.  That was not the case with the German National Champion, he got up rode another sixty kilometers to finish the stage.  He arrived in Chateauroux looking more like a mummy than a cyclist with a large group seven minutes off of the time of the stage winner.

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.

"Doctor's Visit TdF25-54" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France 23, Stage 2: Taking a Peek

With a realitively small group of elite riders coming to the line together, those that weren't the best sprinters were trying to get a jump on the others.  First it was Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) pushing off the front on the descent.  Then, it was the Geman National Champion, Emanuel Buchmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) who opened up a bit of a gap on the Jumbo-Visma train lead by Wilco Kelderman and Tiesj Benoot.  On that duo's wheels was Biulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) and the one everyone was watching, Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).  Unfortunately, Buchmann was ultimately wheeled in by Wout himself.  He was the one who took on the task of chasing down every escapee.  Was that going to drain him for the finale?

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-2023/3963335-11-297438/Painting/taking-a-peek-tdf23-11.html

 

Fleche Wallonne 23, Women’s Race: Making Sure

With just 150 meters to go, Demi Vollering (SD Worx) looked back to make sure no one was coming up too quickly on her.  She did find Liane Lippert (Movistar) and Mavi Garcia (Liv Racing TeqFind) were back there.  But as she turned back forward her smile let everyone know that she knew the victory was going to be hers.  I don’t think I have ever seen such a smile grow so broadly across a rider’s face before.  Lippert, the German National Champion, held on for second, yet, Garcia, the Spanish National Champion, faded to fourth 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 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-/3946449-541-195767/Painting/making-sure-fwf23-5.html

Ronde Van Vlaanderen 23, Men's Race: The Help He Wanted

The German Champion, Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) was happy to see Axel Zingle (Cofidis) ride up to him.  Politt had attacked the peloton in hopes of bridging up to the leaders, but had been struggling on his own, caught in no-man's land between the two groups, he was unable to make more progress until Zingle came along.  The pair joined up with the leaders just in time for the big names to start attacking each other.

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-/3943938-516-195767/Painting/the-help-he-wanted-rvv23-3.html

Tour '22, Stage 15: You Good?

The duo of Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Mikkel Honore (Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl) were never able to build up a big advantage over the peloton behind.  I don't think they ever got over a two minute advantage.  After going over the Cote d'Ambialet, Politt looked back at Honore seemingly asking how he was doing.  The other question perhaps was, "should we keep going, or is this worthless now?"  Every rider must ration their efforts over the three week of the Tour.  Think of a box of matches, you only have so many to strike before your box is empty.  So it is with a three week Tour, you can only put in but so many hard days before your body is simply empty.  Hopefully, one will not burn one's matches vainly.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3894177-90-294403/Painting/what-do-we-do-now-tdf22-91.html

Tour '22, Stage 9: Making Sure

The day started with an early break that was clear over the first climb.  However there was a sprint point, before the big mountains rose up ahead of the peloton today.  So never wanting to leave points on the table, Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) got himself across to the leading group.  As the twenty-some riders approached the intermediate sprint in Semsales, it looked like Luis Leon Sanchez (Bahrain-Victorious) was thinking about going for the maximum points on offer.  A few quick, perhaps choice, words from Van Aert, about not trying to outsprint him and Sanchez eased up so the Belgium could add to his lead in the Maillot Vert.  The way it is going, it is going to take some very bad luck for Van Aert not to carry the Green Jersey all of the way to Paris.  On his wheel, the current German Champion, Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) knew better than poke the bear in this sprint.  He just contended himself with using Van Aert's draft to power along the break away.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3892895-46-294403/Painting/making-sure-tdf22-46.html

Paris Roubaix Femmes: Poursuivantes

After crashed, mud splatters, and fishtailing in the mud this rather large group of chasers began to get themselves organized into a full on chase of the lone woman up the road.  It was Lisa Brennauer (Ceratizit-WNT) and Christine Majerus (SD Worx) leading the chase both in their national champion’s jerseys.  As the road across Section 9, the Pont Thibaut a Ennevelin, they were almost two and a half minutes behind the lone leader.  With 38 kilometers left to race, it was mathematically likely that they would all catch their prey, however it is a former world champion they were hunting.

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-2021/3839944-50-290150/Painting/poursuivantes-pr21-3.html

Strade Bianche, Closing In

With Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) alone up the road, it was this quartet that had to give chase.  As they road up another of the gravel sections, Davide Formolo (UAE Team Emirates) lead Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling) followed by the fast closing Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Wout Van Aert (Jumbo Visma).  Along the side of the road the tifosi were out, many wearing masks and all keeping a safe distance from each other.  One of their main interactions with the racers was to pour their cold water bottles, a much appreciated gesture, over the over-heated athletes.

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.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3609670-8-280747/Painting/closing-in-sb20-8.html

Paris-Roubaix: Into the Arenberg

Both Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) and his teammate, Marcus Burghardt, led the peloton on to the most famous, and difficult section of pave through the forest of Arenberg.  Riding tight on the wheel of the German National Champion are riders from Trek-Segafredo, EF Education First and Bahrain-Merida.  The entire course is now line with thousand of screaming fans of cycling and of the hell that is Paris-Roubaix.  For the hearty, they have already seen a junior's version and the professional women's peloton ahead of the main event.  With still another 93 kilometers to race, about 25 kilometers of pave, it is still most anyone's race.  I must say though, that Bora-Hansgrohe seems to be setting it up for the World Champion, Peter Sagan.

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/Spring-Classics-/3141647-408-195767/PaintingInto-the-Arenberg-PR18-4.html

Giro, Stage 2: Chasing Back On

Most sprinters are not known for being great climbers, although I can think of a few exceptions.  Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) had a bit of trouble with the climb of the Nuoro.  Riders from CCC Sprandi Polkowice and Astana new a good wheel to catch when they saw one.  Greipel was on the radio to his team car.  We later learned that he needed a bike change.  That may have had more to do with why he had been dropped than the steepness of the climb.

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.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2962938-10-235247/PaintingChasing-Back-On-G17-10.html

Paris Nice, Stage 5: Embracing His Victory

The Gorilla, also known as Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal), through his arms wide as he cross the line first iin Bourg de Peage.  Greipel has been close a couple of times thus far, but he must feel truly relieved to have his stage win before the road starts getting lumpy tomorrow.  In the shadow of his outstretched arms were Arnaud Demare (FDJ), Dylan Groenwegen (LottoNL-Jumbo) and John Degenkolb (Trek Segafredo).  Demare's second place on the day earned him the outright ownership of the Maillot Vert of most consistent sprinter.  It is now unlikely that either Degenkolb nor Groenwegen, let alone Marcel Kittel (Quickstep) will get a stage win in the 75th Paris Nice.

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/Spring%20Classics%20/2932251-359-195767/PaintingEmbracing%20His%20Victory%20PN17-23.html

Tour of Britain, Stage 7a: Speed and Caution

With the rain soaked roads (and the continued showers) the riders had to exercise caution, but the name of the game in the individual time trial is speed.  One does not often compliment the other.  The American, Taylor Phinney (BMC) had already wiped out in a corner.  It was a shame too, he was on a new best time pace before he crashed.  Another who was setting the best time splits on the streets of Bristol was the German National Time Trial Champion, Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep).  Martin is a three time World Champion in this discipline as well.  Martin caught his minute man, Frederik Frison (Lotto Soudal) a few hundred feet before the corner where the American crashed.  Hopefully these two will get around the corner safely.  Martin went on to take the time trial on the day.  His first TT victory this year.  Hopefully, he will be able to carry that winning way to Doha, Qatar for the 2016 UCI Road World 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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849791-75-189075/PaintingSpeed%20and%20Caution%20ToB49-Greig-Leach.html#.V9RrWZgrLIU

Tour of Britain, Stage 6: Greipel Is on the Front

First the leader in the Sprint Competition is seen leading the break away up the second climb of the day, then the renowned sprinter, Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) is seen leading the peloton on the Category 1 and penultimate climb of the day.  Stranger still, on the wheel of the German National Champion is the leader of the King of the Mountains competition, Xandro Meurisse (Wanty Group Gobert).  I will assume that Greipel is continuing to aide his team as best he can in support of their General Classification man, Tony Gallopin.  Tucked on to the front is a rider from Team Wiggins, I am sorry to say I did not get his name.

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/Tour%20of%20Britain/2849665-69-189075/PaintingGreipel%20Is%20on%20the%20Front%20ToB43-Greig-Leach.html#.V9N-yZgrLIU

Tour, Stage 13: Fans Along the Road

Today's Tour started with a moment of silence in honor of those who were killed over night in the city of Nice, by the third terrorist attack in France in the past 18 months.  The attack kind of put the events at the end of yesterday's stage in perspective.  It was debated to cancel the stage in respect of those who were suffering and had died, but in the end it was felt that continuing to live a full life was the best response (if a little subdued).

Now, on to racing.  Today the fans were far more respectful of the riders and their right to the road.  It was a treat to see Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) out on the course in his Time Trial Champion of Germany Jersey.  In addition to the bans of the German flag on his back, he wore the rainbow stripes of former World Champion on his sleeves, and honor he won three years in a row.  Continuing the international flavor of the Tour, Martin's fellow country man, dressed in a similar shirt, waved the German flag as his countryman sped by.

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%202016/2824207-90-224974/PaintingFans%20Along%20the%20Road%20TdF89-Greig-Leach.html#.V4lHQLgrLIU

Tour, Stage 12: The Back of the Front

It is quite a bit of a shock to see a sprinter out in the break away on a mountain stage.  Stranger still is to see two off the front.  By the time this was painted, on the way up the second climb of the day, the Col des Trois Termes, Bryan Coquard (Direct Energie) had already slipped off the back.  When I first saw Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) behind the referees car, I assumed he was going to be the next to go.  Instead, he was chasing back onto the group having been back to his team car for a bidon and a chat.  By being up in the front group, Greipel was able to compete for some Green Jersey points, although he is way behind the Maillot Vert of Peter Sagan (Tinkoff).

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%202016/2823724-80-224974/PaintingThe%20Back%20of%20the%20Front%20TdF80-Greig-Leach.html#.V4gK67grLIU

Tour, Stage 4: You Back There?

As the lead out train of Lotto Soudal nears the final kilometer banner, Marcel Sieberg looks back to make sure that his sprinter, Andre Greipel was still in the caboose position.  You can see the helmet of the German National Champion (and sprinter for the squad) just peering over the shoulder of the third man in the line.  Just after confirming that all was good, Greipel's countryman swung off of the front, his job done for the team and the day.  Doing a bit of freelancing behind the Belgium teams lead out is the Maillot Jaune of race leader, Peter Sagan (Tinkoff).  The pair were a virtual tie yesterday, I wonder if Greipel will get the better of Sagan today.

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.

Buy this painting here:  http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2818705-25-224974/PaintingYou%20Back%20There?%20TdF25-Greig-Leach.html#.V3v91LgrLIU

Ronde van Vlaanderen: Catching Them Napping

Lotto Soudal has been riding the Ronde van Vlaanderen most aggressively.  Lars Bak had been up the road earlier and they had three men in the front group after attacking the Paterberg.  It was Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) who surprised the peloton (and me) by attacking on the lead up to the next climb of the day.  He caught them all napping and it was a surprise to see the big German National Champion sprinter attack on a steep ascent.  For all of the classics in Belgium the farmers have been lining the roads with their tractors, although here it is just their black flags on the side of the road, to protest recent EU changes in agricultural regulations.  Today was the first time that they disrupted the start of racing, usually, they just make tons of noise and wave their black flags.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  Just follow the direct link at the end of this post to purchase this piece of original art for only $50 USD.  And yes, international shipping is available.

If you are enjoying discovering bike racing through my writings and paintings be sure to search out my recently published, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"   Just google the title to find it through your local online bookseller.  It is available world wide so you should be able to avoid international shipping.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2538070---195767/Painting.html#.VSMXLPnF-xU

Paris Nice Final Stage: Picking Them Off

When you watch Tony Martin (Etixx Quickstep) in an individual time trial, you know you will watch him catch rider after rider that have started ahead of him.  The current German National Time Trial Champion and three time World Time Trial Champion did not disappoint again today, even with the eight kilometers of pure uphill course climbing the Col d'Eze just outside of the city of Nice.  Martin is catching the second man ahead of him in the start time list on his way to posting yet another new best time.  However, there are some very strong men with quite a bit riding on their finishing times yet to roll down the start ramp.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting, along with all of my art of the 72nd Paris Nice, 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.  If you are enjoying reading about bike races with the accompanying artwork please be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through virtually every online bookseller around the world.  Just google the title to find out where you can get your copy while avoiding international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2525960---195767/Painting.html#.VQXCY47F-xU

Paris Nice Stage 2: Germany Versus France

It is very rare to get to see two National Championship jerseys duke it out for a stage win.  It is even more exciting when the two nations fighting for the win are Germany and France when you consider their geo-political history over the last 200 hundred years.  Today, it was Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) just edging out Arnaud Demare (FDJ) for the victory.  Greipel is the current German National Road Racing Champion and Demare is the Champion of France.  This is a much saner way for these two great countries to contest their respective national prides.

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.  The 4"x6" painting is only $50 USD and international shipping is available.  Be sure to check out my recently released, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through nearly every online booksellers, just google the title to find out where you can get your copy and avoid international shipping channels.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2523080---195767/Painting.html#.VP9lzvzF-xU

Paris Nice Prologue: Under Way

I've gotten so used to seeing Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) in the Rainbow Jersey of the UCI World Time Trial Champion (he held the title for three years running) that I almost didn't recognize him in the German National Time Trial Champion's Jersey.  Martin was one of the later riders in the start order and one to give Rohan Dennis (BMC) some serious concerned for the best time on the stage.

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.  All of my Paris Nice paintings are only $50 USD and international shipping is available.

If you enjoy reading about cycling with these kind of accompanying paintings be sure to check out my recently published, Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France.  The book is available through most every online book service around the world,  So googled the title to find out where you can get your copy without international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%20/2522172---195767/Painting.html#.VPyZCvzF-xU