Gent-Wevelgem Men '22: Checking Their Progress

With the early break away safely tucked back into the peloton, it was time for others to try their hand (or wheels) at getting away from the peloton.  Both Greg Van Avermaet (Ag2r-Citroen) and Olivier Le Gac (Jumbo-Visma) look back over their shoulders to see how much of a gap they were opening up on the chasing peloton.  While that information might have pleased them, the fact that they had another 18 riders with them may have been a bit discouraging.  It was nice to see Van Avermaet back on the front of a race again, although I do miss his golden helmet from when he was the reigning Olympic road racing champion.

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-/3875462-472-195767/Painting/checking-their-progress-gw22-2.html

TDF, Stage 15: Back Through the Caravan

Ben O'Connor (Ag2r Citroen) started the day with hopes of repeating his stage win in the Alps.  Early into the stage he had a mechanical and was forced to chase back onto the peloton.  Racing through the caravan of team cars and race support vehicles he had no other than the reigning Olympic champion, Greg Van Avermaet as a pilot fish to lead him through the chaos at the back of the race.  With 150 kilometers of the 191 kilometer stage left to race there was no need to panic.  As he came out from behind the Jumbo-Visma team car, he waved his thanks to the driver.  As the riders overtake cars in the caravan, the drivers will toot their horns to make sure that the next vehicle knows that a rider is approaching the back of their car.

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 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/3823324-90-291436/Painting/back-through-the-caravan-tdf21-89.html

TDF, Stage 6: Left Out to Fry

With a small group out front of the peloton, it is common for them to not want to catch the break away too soon.  The break away knows this.  So it becomes a bit of a cat and mouse came with break slowing up to bring the peloton to them, knowing they don't want to catch them.  Once the peloton slows, the break goes hard again.  "Why doesn't the peloton want to catch them?" I hear you ask.  If those up the road are caught too soon, another more rested group will go off the front again making them much harder to chase down.  Naturally, Greg Van Avermaet (Ag2r-Citroen) knew all of this and was doing a great job of playing along.  He had Roger Kluge (Lotto Soudal) joining him in the effort.  Three days earlier Lotto Soudal had lost their marquee sprinter Caleb Ewan in one of the many crashes plaquing this years Tour.  That made him willing to work in hopes of getting a stage win for his team.  Behind the peloton was keeping them in sight with eight kilometers left to race.  When the peloton deemed it was time to catch them, you can be sure they did.

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/3821494-35-291436/Painting/left-out-to-fry-tdf21-34.html

TDF, Stage 6: This Is a Strong One!

As soon as the flag was dropped to start the stage the break away attempts started.  It was eight guys that got away, but since some were part of sprinter's teams, it was not a cohesive whole.  That prompted Greg Van Avermaet (Ag2r-Citroen) to try to drop the others.  His move was quickly covered by Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal).  The duo was later joined by Georg Zimmermann (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) and Nils Politt.  Admittedly, Politt too was a member of one of the sprinters hoping for victory when the peloton reached Chateauroux.  

A side note, the last time I did a painting that included Thomas De Gendt, it was the same day I had had surgery to donate one of my kidneys.  It was done as a paired exchange to help my wife get a much needed kidney transplant much quicker.  We are now both doing very well.  And De Gendt is still trying to escape the clutches of the peloton in the Tour de France.  Unlike our surgeries, De Gendt wasn't successful then, nor was he today.

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/3821492-33-291436/Painting/this-is-a-strong-one-tdf21-32.html

Gent-Wevelgem 2021: The Third Group

 Before the race came to air, the air came to the race.  Or should I say the crosswinds came and split the peloton apart.  And early break of some big names was up the road, followed by another small group trying to join up with those in front.  The third group was being driven on by some of the names that had missed the moves.  With only a minute between the three groups, Greg Van Avermaet (Ag2r-Citroen) was pushing the teams of Lotto Soudal, Alpecin-Fenix, and Movistar to work on the chase.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect 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-2021/3802938-19-290150/Painting/the-third-group-gw21-1.html

Tour, Final Stage: Nothing Ventured...

 We all know the expression, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."  For this quartet, it is demonstratively true.  They know that the likelihood of winning the stage from a break away on the Champs Elysees are slim indeed, however the chances that Greg Van Avermaet (CCC), Pierre-Luc Perichon (Cofidis), Conor Swift (Arkea-Samsic) and Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) would win from a bunch sprint are infinitely smaller still. And so it is that off they go into a four man break in hopes of staying away to the finale.  They did not, but the tried, and in so doing earned some rather useless sprint points towards the Sprint Competition in the doing.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow th edirect 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/Tour-de-France-2020/3705848-142-282744/Painting/nothing-ventured...-tdf20-134.html

Tour, Stage 6: "Pull Through, Damn It"

While the early break went at the 0 kilometer mark, it didn't start out as smoothly as it could have.  Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) wasn't very happy with his break away companions.  He was gesticulating wildly to get them to pull through to make all of their efforts a success.  At this point the group just had a view seconds on the peloton, but it was still uncertain if the break would stick.  Jesus Herrada (Cofidis) seemed the most reluctant to to his share of the effort.  Edvald Boasoon Hagen (NTT Pro Cycling) was the last to join the escapees.  Others in the group included the birthday boy, Nielson Powless (EF Pro Cycling) and the still reigning Olympic Champion, Greg Van Avermaet (CCC).

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/Tour-de-France-2020/3690683-35-282744/Painting/pull-through-damn-it-tdf20-30.html

Strade Bianche, The Final Section

Greg Van Avermaet (CCC Pro Cycling) was joined by Zdenek Stybar (Deceuninck-Quickstep) as the two dropped down onto the final gravel section of the day.  The duo was a minute behind the chasing threesome, and another six seconds behind the sole leader on the road.  With just under thirteen kilometers left to race, it was unlikely either would be taking the day. 

I was impressed to see the race marshall, with his warning flag under his arm, wearing his face mask, and wearing it properly.  We all need to be wearing one whenever we are out if we want to get back to watching bike racing and all of the other things (and people) we love.

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/3609835-10-280747/Painting/the-final-section-sb20-10.html

Strade Bianche, Opening a Gap

With just nineteen of the 183 kilometers remaining, it was Greg Van Avermaet (CCC) that was letting a gap go on the penultimate gravel section of the day.  Ahead, the trio of Davide Formolo (UAE Team Emirates), Jakob Fulgsang (Astana) and Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling) was just getting on with chasing the disappearing Wout Van Aert (Jumbo Visma).  I was sad to see the reigning Olympic Champion not able to hold the wheels, I am a fan of the Belgium.

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/3609826-9-280747/Painting/opening-a-gap-sb20-9.html

Tour, Stage 1: Starting His Campaign

Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) is attempting to set a record, taking his seventh Green Jersey in the Tour de France.  Naturally, he went for the first intermediate sprint of the race, taking maximum points towards the tally for the sprinter's jersey.  Sagan looks back over his shoulder to find most of his competition absent, with the possible exception of Greg Van Avermaet (CCC).  Van Avermaet was definitely there, taking third in the sprint in Les Bons Villers, he just isn't a real threat for the Green Jersey by the time they reach Paris.

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/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3356434-3-263530/Starting%20His%20Campaign%20%20TDF19-3.html

This painting has sold!

Tour, Stage 1: Up and Over

Here we go!  I know what I will be doing for the rest of July...  This is the first painting of the first stage of the first climb of the Tour de France.  The maximum points for the climb up the Mur de Grammont was taken by the reigning Olympic gold medalist, Greg Van Avermaet (CCC) followed closely by Xandro Meurisse (Wanty Group).  Meurisse was first over the only other categorized climb of the day, but this climb was enough to award Van Avermaet the first Polka Dot jersey of this Tour.  Immediately after the second climb of the day, the Belgium rider dropped back to the peloton, his objective for the day achieved.

Watch this painting come to life in my You Tube videos here...

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/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3356399-1-263530/Up%20and%20Over%20%20TDF19-1.html

Tour, Stage 15: Double Checking

Unlike yesterday, no one challenged Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) for the sprint points today.  It may have something to do with the experience level of those on the Maillot Vert's wheel.  Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) has ridden many Tours and is the defending Olympic Road Race champion.  Behind him, Mathias Frank (Ag2r La Mondiale) has spent years in the pro peloton, along with being a former road racing champion of Switzerland.  These guys knew why Sagan was in the early break, what his objectives are, and how very little they had to gain by challenging him.  Sagan, on the other hand, was just double checking to make sure no one was going to try and jump him to the line in Mazamet.  All Sagan has to do is finish the Tour (no small feat with the Pyrennes looming this coming week) and the Maillot Vert will be his in Paris.  But, instead, he is going in the breaks and collecting as many sprint points as he can in every stage.  He is closing in on breaking the highest point title in any Tours de France, a record he holds.

You can watch this painting come to life as I talk about what is happening in the image and the Tour up to this point.  You can see one painting from every stage come to life on my You Tube channel (were I hope you will become a subscriber).  And you may learn some things about watercolor painting, creating art, and cycling in the bargain.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3192218-79-251072/PaintingDouble-Checking--T18-78.html

Tour, Stage 10: No Clowning Around

I couldn't resist this one.  I just couldn't.  I am looking forward to seeing the Devil in the coming days, but this clown seemed like a great metaphor for what everyone expected to happen to Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) today.  Van Avermaet wasn't clowning around in the Maillot Jaune today, even if the cycling fans in yellow was.  As he climbed the fabled Col de la Colombiere he was still more than three minutes ahead of the peloton, so instead of losing his jersey, he will end the day gaining another 3 minutes on all of the general classification guys.  He may be reliving the Frenchman, Thomas Voeckler's defiance of expectation in the Pyrennes when he helf of Lance Armstrong for three days in the mountains.  Voekler held the jersey for 12 days that year, let's see if Van Avermaet can do the same.  Regardless, he is not joking about just how good of a bike racer he is. 

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3188890-52-251072/PaintingNo-Clowning-Around--T18-52.html

Tour, Stage 10: Defying the Odds

There were just two riders up ahead of this group containing the Maillot Jaune of Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).  Van Avermaet had been widely predicted to lose his yellow jersey today, passing it over to the fomidable Team Sky.  Even Van Avermaet predicted that he wouldn't be in yellow when they reached Le Grand Bornand.  Instead as he climbed the Col de Romme, he had five minutes on the Sky lead peloton.  It seemed very unlikely that the peloton would catch him with just a couple of kilometers to this summit, one more climb, and just a total of 34 kilometers the the finishing line.  Joining Van Avermaet in the effort to stay away (if not chase down the leaders) were Lilian Clamejane (Direct Energie), Jon Izaguirre (Bahrain-Merida) and Julian Alaphilippe (Quick Step).  Just peaking out from the shoulders of the Maillot Jaune is Serge Pawels (Dimension Data). 

This is a powerful group that the peloton let slip their grasp.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3188863-51-251072/PaintingDefying-the-Odds--T18-51.html

Tour, Stage 9: His First

It is hard to believe, but today was John Degenkolb's first Tour de France stage win.  I may need to verify that one.  Degenkolb, a pure sprinter, came to the line with two classics riders, more puncheurs than sprinters.  Even though he was forced to launch his sprint from the front, neither Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) nor Yves Lampaert (Quick Step) were coming around the powerful German.  Van Avermaet increased his lead to 45 seconds over Ian Stannard (Sky) and the rest of the GC men.  BMC at least still has a Maillot Jaune to celebrate after a very depressing stage for their team leaders.  Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) took out the sprint for fourth in the chasing group, thus further solidifying his lead in the Maillot Vert.

Tomorrow is a rest day.  While the peloton will be flying down to the Alps, I will be trying to catch up on some sleep and other domestic duties.  I will be back at it again on Tuesday.  I hope you will be back to see the first mountain stage paintings.  And I hope that you will take the time to go to my You Tube channel and become a subscriber.  I do need your support.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g?view_as=subscriber

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3187732-48-251072/PaintingHis-First--T18-48.html

Tour, Stage 9: Cobbles, Dust & Noise

Amongst the screaming crowds, the rough cobbled roads and the unending dust of the roads to Robaix, thes three road away from the rest of the peloton.  Initially, the commentators, Paul Sherwen and Phil Liggett, claimed that it was three Belgiums off the front.  It would make sense, Belgium is the home of the spring cobbled races that kick off the season.  Instead it was the Belgium National Champion, Yves Lampaert (Quickstep) leading his countryman, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) followed by the German sprinter, John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo).  Van Avermaet was looking to hold his jersey and bring some joy to his team that has lost their captain and their second place rider is falling further and further behind.  With just 17 kilometers to race, and only one more pave section, this was beginning to look like the winning move.  You can see one of the soigneurs holding aloft a set of wheels in case one of his team's riders has a flat (or a broken wheel - which seem to be plaquing this stage).

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3187726-46-251072/PaintingCobbles,-Dust-&-Noise--T18-46.html

Tour, Stage 9: Who Is Back There?

The roads under the wheels of the peloton were not very forgiving today.  Others however, were able to use the paves to their advantage.  Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) looks back over his shoulder to make sure he still has his man, Chris Froome.  Just behind, letting a little space open up, is the Maillot Jaune on the shoulders of Greg Van Avermaet (BMC).  BMC is hoping to redeem this very rough stage by keeping Van Avermaet in yellow.  They lost one rider today and their next highest place rider, Tejay van Garderen, is losing time due to some very bad luck.  The rest of the peloton is content to let these guys set the pace.  It is quite difficult to move up on the pave, but all bets are off once the peloton hits the relatively smoother roads of the stage.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3187632-43-251072/PaintingWho-Is-Back-There?--T18-43.html

Tour, Stage 5: Up to the Line

For the first lumpy stage of the Tour, the organizers decided it would be fun to finish the day with a short steep climb.  I doubt the riders were too thrilled, but it did make for some exciting racing.  It could also afford some time gaps to open up amongst the main contenders for the Maillot Jaune.  The ever agressive Team Quick Step launched Philippe Gilbert up the road.  Should he get enough space and the win, he could take over the race lead, assuming Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) wasn't second over the line.  That is why you can see the Maillot Jaune chasing just behind Julien Simon (Cofidis).  Sensing that this was a good stage for themselves, both Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida) and Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) were giving chase as well.  Sagan has the added insentive knowing that Gaviria has been dropped, thus allowing Sagan to move further ahead in the race for the Maillot Vert.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3186312-24-251072/PaintingUp-to-the-Line--T18-24.html

Tour, Stage 3 TTT: Checking on the Others

Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) looks over his shoulder to make sure there are enough riders to post the best possible time for the team.  There were.  And the team posted the best time thus far.  Should the time stand, not only did Van Avermaet check on everyone, their efforts (and his) put himself into the Maillot Jaune of race leader.  They also moved the American, Tejay van Garderen, into second.  They also moved their race leader up ahead of almost every other GC contender.

This is the painting that I filmed being created today.  You can see it on my You Tube Channel where I hope you will become a subscriber.  And you can watch it here as well.

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/Tour-de-France-2018/3185246-12-251072/PaintingChecking-on-the-Others--T18-12.html

Tour, Stage 1: Getting to Work

The Tour is not only about the racers, but about all of the support work of the complete team.  One rider will pull on the final Maillot Jaune in Paris, but every member of the team will be responsible for that accomplishment in 23 days time.  It is stunning to watch the mechanics attempt to fix the bikes for riders as they drive along at nearly thirty miles per hour.  All I can think of is how much it would hurt to get a finger in the spokes.  Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) is getting a quick adjustment in the early stages of the first day of the Tour, it didn't work out.  He later opted to switch bikes and then catch back up to the peloton and the job at hand.  Hopefully, the mechanic will get to spend the rest of the stage inside of the team car.

This is the painting that you can watch being created on my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g.  Unfortunately, I am still working out some kinks, so it is presented in three seperate videos.  I hope to have that resolved for tomorrow's 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/Tour-de-France-2018/3184429-2-251072/PaintingGetting-to-Work--T18-2.html