Tour '26, Stage 20: This Is Mine

It took getting over the HC climb of the Col de Croix de Fer and then chasing down the breakaway, but Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) was there to sprint for maximum points at the intermediate sprint in Saint Julien Mont Denis.  As he wound up his sprint he looked back at Tobias Johannessen (Uno X-Mobility) as if daring him to dare to steal a single point from him.  With this sprint, he sealed up the race for the Maillot Vert.  All he need do is finish this stage and the final stage in Paris and he will have one the sprinter's jersey in all three Grand Tours.  On Johannessen's wheel are Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) and his teammate Bruno Armirail clearly having a plan for the day.  Another in this leading group was Thymen Arensman (Netcompany-Ineos) hoping to have an even better stage than yesterday.  Today is the true final stage of the Tour, although the new circuit in Paris does mean there will be more than just a sprint on the Champs Elysees.

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: "This Is Mine TdF26-144" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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

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Tour '26, Stage 19: Climbing in Green

Traditionally, sprinters can't climb.  That is not the case with Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).  While he has won a stage this Tour, most of his points towards his sprinters' jersey have come from winning (or at least scoring points) the intermediate sprints.  Yesterday, he went up the road over categorized climbs to score maximum points at the intermediate sprint knowing full well he wouldn't be there for the points at the mountain top finish.  His teammate Derek Gee-West has been assigned to help him carry the Maillot Vert all of the way to Paris.  Others on the team are shepherding there two guys that are in the top ten, Mattias Skjelmose and Juan Ayuso.  The USA champion Quinn Simmons seems to be on double duty and sometimes is left free to go for the stage win.  For Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) he is thrilled to have a good pair of wheels to carry him up the mountain.  He continues to chase the KOM points always going over the mountain behind the current wearer, and virtual, Maillot a Pois.

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: "Climbing in Green TdF26-135" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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

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Tour '26, Stage 10: So Close

Max Kanter (XDS-Astana) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) were at it again in the intermediate sprint early on in Stage 10 of the Tour de France.  It looked like it would go the way of Kanter, in fact, it looked like he sat up just before the line.  Pedersen, never one to give up, kept going and did the classic sprinter's bike throw to win the maximum points by a photo finish at the line in Lacapelle de Fraisse.  This win will increase his lead over those who hope to pull on the Maillot Vert themselves.

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: "So Close TdF26-66" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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

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Tour '26, Stage 9: Oh, No You Don't!

The intermediate sprints have become hotly contested this Tour.  Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) has been sprinting it out against Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling) anytime the peloton arrives intact at any of the in-stage sprints.  It seems like the two have fought to an even split thus far.  As far as the final sprint goes either Pedersen is winning the fight being the only one to win a stage (of the two).  Or one could argue that it goes to Girmay since he has placed consistently higher the first eight stages of the race.  Ultimately, Pedersen is the one in the Green Sprinter's Jersey... not Girmay.

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: "Oh, No You Don't!" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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

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Learn More About the Artist →     

Tour '26, Stage 8: On the Outside

Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Max Kanter (XDS-Astana) were pre-occupied with each other's sprinting for the points available at the intermediate sprint in Saint Cyprien that they were caught off guard by Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).  Pedersen has been collecting maximum available points at these intermediate sprints.  That combined with his one stage win is why he is wearing the Maillot Vert or the 'sprinter's jersey.'  Today he was just beat by the bike throw of Kanter.  However, both were caught off guard by the sprint of Philipsen.  He hasn't given this hard of a run for the intermediate sprint thus far instead choosing himself for finale instead.  That hasn't worked out for him yet either.  Maybe this sprint is a sign that his fortunes will change when the peloton gets to Bergerac.

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: "On the Outside TdF26-54" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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

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Learn More About the Artist →  

Tour '26, Stage 6: Not Really a Sprint

The stage started with just a two-man breakaway.  It was comprised of Victor Campenaerts (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek). Each were off the front for very different reasons.  Pedersen was there to collect the maximum number of sprint points in hopes of adding to his advantage in the competition for the Maillot Vert.  Yes, he has it now, but to carry it to Paris one has to grab points whenever possible.  Campenaerts was there if the break goes in order to be a satellite rider for his team leader Jonas Vingegaard.  A satellite rider is off the front to be an ally to his team leader late into the stage.  Unfortunately, the two were caught by the peloton prior to climbing the Cote de Mauvezin a category three climb prior to the two big Pyrenean mountains facing all of the Tour later 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.

Purchase this painting here: "Not Really a Sprint TdF26-38" (Original art by Greig Leach)

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

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Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour '26, Stage 5: Dry Run

With just one guy off the front and the peloton all together, the intermediate sprint was the chance for a dry run of the expected sprint finale in another 45 kilometers' time.  I was surprised to see Max Kanter (XDS-Astana) pop out to grab second place ahead of some of the marquee sprinters of the peloton.  He had a bike length or two on the Maillot Vert of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling).  A little bit further back was the French sprinter Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) who seems to be hanging around near the front of the sprints, but not quite getting the right jump on the others.  I'm not quite sure what this says about the coming sprint in Pau, but I do know it should be an exciting one.

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: "Dry Run TdF26-34" (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 '25, Stage 6: Reclaiming Green

I was upset when I learned that Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) was going to be on the Tour de France squad instead of Mads Pedersen.  Clearly, team management knows more about what they are doing than I do.  Despite the other sprinter's teams doing a lead-out Milan was easily able to jump clear to grab maximum points in the intermediate sprint in Villers Bocages.  This was the first time he got to sprint from the front of the peloton since no breakaway had yet formed.  Behind him it was Mathieu Van Der Poel and then Biniam Girmay taking second and third, but they were several bike lengths back.  They didn't even make this painting.  This was the last time we saw any of the sprinters today.  They found the fast fight to start a breakaway too much on the first climb of the day and finished the day roughly a half hour after 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. 

"Reclaiming Green TdF25-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Criterium du Dauphine '25, Stage 8: Staying Upright

As Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) sped down the Cote de Saint Andre the rain finally began to fall on the Criterium du Dauphine.  As we all know, the roads can get rather slick once it starts to rain after a long sunny spell.  The guy wearing the Maillot Vert is also a very accomplished cyclo-cross and mountain bike competitor, so he had the skill to keep himself vertical after his rear wheel locked up on a slick turn.  With forty-four kilometers to race in a mountain stage, Van Der Poel has built up almost a minute on his former breakaway companions and over two and a half minutes on the chasing peloton.  It would be a long shot, but he is certainly hoping to either win the stage or gain as many more points as he can at the finish.  

I did explain the results in the previous post.

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.

"Staying Upright CdD25-43" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Criterium du Dauphine '25, Stage 5: What Are They Up To?

At the base of the Cote des Quartre Vents, the trio of Gianni Vermmeesch (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and his teammates Mathieu Van Der Poel and Michael Gogl hit the front of the peloton.  They raised the pace making the other GC contenders move to the front in anticipation of an attack.  Despite wearing the Maillot Vert, or the sprinters' jersey, Van Der Poel sits in fourth place overall.  It seemed that he might launch an attack to see if he could take the stage and thus the Maillot Jaune.  With the ten second time bonus, he would only need to get another four seconds on the current holder of the race lead, Remco Evenpoel.  OR, it could be that he was trying to drop the other sprinters in hopes of, again, winning the stage (with or without taking the yellow jersey, too).  We all watched waiting for the move.  It never came.

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.

"What Are They Up To? CdD25-26" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 8: Flying Off the Mountain

After going over the top of the Col de la Porte in fifth place, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) went on the offensive.  He opened up a one-minute gap on the peloton just by his superior descending skills.  It should be noted that Pedersen is wearing the Maillot Vert of the points leader, oft referred to as the sprinter's jersey.  Of equal importance is that sprinters are exactly known for their climbing prowess.  The guy closes to Pedersen in this competition was the leader of the overall race, Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike).  Pedersen could sew up the overall Maillot Vert should he be able to reach the intermediate sprint point over the top of the Col d'Eze.  Should he get maximum points there, Jorgenson will not be able to earn enough points even if he should win the stage to take the green jersey off of this great Dane.

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.

"Flying Off the Mountain PN25-33" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Final Stage: Finishing in Green

It wasn't like anyone expected Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) to light up the final stage of this Tour. But he has lit up all of the cycling communnity!  Girmay is the first Eritrea to win a stage in the Tour, and obviously the first Black African to do so.  He went on to win two more stages and in so doing won the Maillot Vert, again a first for Africa and the Tour.  He was very active in the intermediate sprints to make sure that his jersey was his today in Nice.  

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. 

"Finishing in Green TdF24-135" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 17: Another Point in the Bag

After crashing and being helped to the finish by his teammates yesterday, it was a relief to see that Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) started stage 17.  It was even more pleasing to see him contesting the intermediate sprint for the remaining points not sucked up by the breakaway.  He had about a bike length on his main rival for the Maillot Vert, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) as he crossed the line in Veynes.  Taking third, and third in the competition was the French sprinter, Bryan Coquard (Cofidis).  All Girmay has to do to win the green jersey overall is keep finishing ahead of Philipsen in the next three intermediate sprints.  Given the coming stages neither are going to be vying for the stage victories, including today.

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.

"Another Point in the Bag TdF24-102" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 16: Finishing with His Teammates

Sadly, Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) wasn't able to contest the last sprint stage of the Tour today.  He crashed and was helped across the finish line by his teammate Kobe Goossens.  As they headed for their support personnel, Girmay put his arm on Hugo Page's shoulder to thank him for waiting.  He needed to cross the line to remain in the Tour and in the Maillot Vert.  Fortunately, x-rays and a medical exam proved he had no broken bones or serious injuries.  He plans to start Stage 17 to defend his lead in the sprinter's competition.  He will be hoping to add points on the remaining hard climbing stages counting on his main rival to not be able to hang with the peloton before it gets to the intermediate sprints.  Even Jasper Philipsen said it would be sad for him to take the jersey "this 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. 

"Finishing with His Teammates TdF24-100" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 16: No Points Today

Well, technically, no points at the end of the stage.  Depending on how Jasper Philipsen does in the finale, this could be a real blow to Biniam Girmay's (Intermache-Wanty) from carrying the Maillot Vert all of the way to Nice.  Unlike the race for time, there is no same points inside of the final three kilometers for the sprinters.  Yes, he will get the same time as today's stage winner, but that isn't what this Eritrean is racing for.  Also hitting the deck through the final roundabout inside of the final kilometers was Marijn Van Berg (EF Education-EasyPost).  You may be able to make out his two American teammates waiting to help him to the line.  They are the US Champion, Sean Quinn, and Nielson Powless.  Rest assured that Girmay's teammates are waiting for him as well.  They just happen to be off camera.

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.  

"No Points Today TdF24-98" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 10: Wheel Change

There seemed to be a rash of flat tires in the peloton today.  It could have been the showers that kept coming and going through the early part of the stage washing grit into the roadway.  The Maillot Vert on the shoulders of Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) stopped and held his bike up for his mechanic to swap rear wheels.  He seemed completely at ease, but then the peloton was in full cry and there was another 79 kilometers of racing before the sprint finale.  Girmay is the only man in the peloton who has already won two stages this year.  Obviously, while I am sure he wants more, and wants to keep the sprinters' jersey, the pressure is off for the Eritrean.

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. 

"Wheel Change TdF24-53" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 8: The Final Meters

The finale of stage 8 was an uphill sprint to the line.  On paper it was a sprinter's stage, one that was tailor made for the guy who didn't start today, Mads Pedersen.  As they got to the final meters of the stage it looked like Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) was in perfect shape as his leadout man was still setting the pace.  He did have the Maillot Vert of Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty), the best sprinter is this Tour, on his wheel.  It was Pascal Ackerman (Israel-Premier Tech) who had the cat bird seat, the wheel of Girmay.  Would Cofidis get a stage win for the second year in a row, or would someone further back get the jump on everyone in this painting?

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 Final Meters TdF24-44" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 8: Adding to His Total

Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) continues to be on fire.  He was able to take the best of the rest at the intermediate sprint in Lamargelle.  His teammate, Gerben Thijssen provided some heads-up sprinting of his own, just staying ahead of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) to let his team leader gain a few extra points over his now main rival in the competition to wear Green all of the way to Nice.  Yeah, the Tour doesn't end in Paris this year.  Also getting into the mix is Bryan Coquard (Cofidis).  Girmay's quest for the Maillot Vert was aided by the departure of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek).  He has been suffering since his crash in stage 5, and decided it was healing well enough to continue racing.  Sad, he is one of my favorites in the peloton.  Amazingly, his withdrawn marks only the third man to leave the Tour thus far.  I can think of a time we've ever gone this deep into the race with so many still in the peloton.

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.

"Adding to His Total TdF24-41" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour de France 23, Stage 18: Dressing Down

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) wasn't real happy with Pascal Eenkhoorn (Lotto-Dstny).  Eenkhoorn had just made a rather dangerous pass going off the road and just missing a van parked right at the edge of the road.  When he came back onto the road surface he just about took out one of Philipsen's teammates.  Given that they were on the front of the peloton, he could have taken out half of the Tour de France.  I suspect that the Maillot Vert felt that he needed to teach the Tour neophyte a little Tour de France etiquette.  It wasn't like this was the only place the pass could have been made, nor did Eenkhoorn continue to make a move off of the front of the group.  However, after a bit of sulking, he did jump clear to join his teammate up the road.  Another move that left me and the commentators mystified.

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-2023/3966486-122-297438/Painting/dressing-down-tdf23-122.html 

Tour de France 23, Stage 11: The Points Available

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) has a substantial lead in the sprint points competition over Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) but that has not stopped him from going for every point available in every stage thus far.  Today in Lapeyrouse, he out sprinted Coquard yet again earning 13 points toward the Maillot Vert to the French sprinter's 11.  It looked like Coquard had the sprint, but the Green Jersey's perfectly timed bike throw meant that Philipsen increased his lead, yet again.  I am sure we will see the pair fighting it out for the lion share of the points in a 130 kilometer's time.

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-2023/3965092-63-297438/Painting/the-points-available-tdf23-63.html