Tour '25, Stage 17: The Early Break

Most every stage a group will break free of the grasp of the peloton in the early kilometers and today was no exception.  This quartet that included Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies), Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno X-Mobility), Vincenzo Albanese (EF Education-EasyPost) and Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) built up a three-minute lead on the peloton before those behind decided that was plenty.  As they got closer to the intermediate sprint point the sprinter's teams in the peloton ramped up the pace in hopes of getting to sprint for the maximum points on offer.  They didn't make it.  This breakaway proved too strong for those behind to catch by the time they all reached Roche Saint Secret Beconne.  Will they be strong enough to keep away all of the way to the finale in Valence?

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.

"The Early Break TdF25-111" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 2: Watching for the Move

I love to create titles that can be interpreted in more than one way, this is the first of just such a title.  Either the crowds lining the Saint Etienne au Mont climb were watching to see if they could see an attack, or the favorites were all watching each other sure that one would attack the other.  As they went up the penultimate climb of the day, Tiesj Benoot (Visma-Lease a Bike) set the pace for his two teammates, Jonas Vingegaard and Matteo Jorgenson. On Benoot's wheel was his countryman, Mathieu Van Der Peol (Alpecin-Deceunick) hoping to be the one to take out the stage honors now that his teammate had lost his grip on the front group.  Ever present was the rainbow jersey on the shoulders of the defending Tour Champion, Tadej Pogacar (UAE-Team Emirates).  The only guy not really expected to be in this elite leading group was the Frenchman Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ). He was hoping to get the jump on the others as they all watched each other.  At least one of the fans on the climb had to be disappointed to not see Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) since they had sprayed his name on the roadway.

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.

"Watching for the Move TdF25-10" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 1: Why Not?

As the peloton neared the top of the final climb of the day, there was no one off the front of the race.  It looked odd, but Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) saw the opportunity to gain a single point in the race for the King of the Mountains title.  He was followed by his teammate Matteo Jorgenson.  They team saw an opportunity to push the pace on the descent.  As they hit the base and the cross winds, they continued with the help of Alpecin-Deceuninck and UAE Team Emirates.  The result was they blew the peloton apart dropping both a couple of general classification hopefuls as well as some sprinters.  The early stages of the Tour are always referred to as the stages where you can't win the Tour, but you can definitely lose it.  

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.

"Why Not? TdF25-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Criterium du Dauphine 25, Stage 4 ITT, Finding His Form

Now that Remi Cavagna has come back to Groupama-FDJ, he is truly finding his grove again.  It didn't hurt that he was on a time trial bike that was designed by one of his Groupama-FDJ teammates.  He laid down best times at both the intermediate split and the finish by a three second margin when he arrived in Saint Peray.  Of course, with a time trial you don't know where you will be on the final tally until everyone has finished for the day.  He ended up in seventh place a minute and nine seconds behind the eventual 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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Finding His Form CdD25-17" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Ronde van Vlaanderen '25: Visma Chases

Having missed being able to go with the attack on the Oude Kwaremont, Visma-Lease a Bike was forced to chase.  They had the numbers to bring back the leading trio, so it was Wout van Aert, Matteo Jorgenson, and Tiesj Benoot riding hard together.  They were joined in the effort by two of the former attackers, Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) and Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek).  Despite their collective best efforts, only van Aert was able to rejoin the front of the race, with the others remaing the second group on the road.

Another spoiler, while he did rejoin the leaders, van Aert finished fourth on the day, just off of the podium.  I should point out that his teammates Benoot and Jorgenson finished sixth and 47th respectively.  Kung ended up seventh and Stuyven was fifth.

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.

"Visma Chases RVV25-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Ronde van Vlaanderen '25: Counter Move

With the early breakaway still up the road, these four decided it was time for a counter move.  I believe it was Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) who set things off.  He was joined by Vito Braet (Intermache-Wanty), Davide Ballerini (XDS-Astana) and the ever watchful Tiesj Benoot (Visma-Lease a Bike).  Benoot knew that if this group could join the leaders, it would put his team at an advantage when it came to the closing kilometers of the race.  With 101 kilometers yet to race, they were a little over a minute behind the lead group and they had about three quarters of a minute on the rather large peloton behind.

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.

"Counter Move RVV25-1" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Gent-Wevelgem '25: Chasing the Leaders

With the early breakaway within reach, first Johan Jacobs (Groupama-FDJ) and then Victor Campenaerts (Visma-Lease a Bike) go off the front of the peloton in hopes of joining the leaders with 100 kilometers to go.  Campenaerts was successful in the effort, but Jacobs didn't quite have the legs to stay on the Belgium's wheel.  

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.

"Chasing the Leaders" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 6: Still of the Front

With 51 kilometers left in a cold fast stage, it was just Remi Cavagna (Groupama-FDJ) left off the front from the original breakaway.  Even with all of the echelons forming behind Cavagna was still holding onto a two and three quarters of a minutes advantage.  No small feet with the drama happening behind him in the splintered 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.

"Still of the Front PN25-23" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Paris Nice '25, Stage 5: A Bit of an Advantage

Apparently, I dropped a word when I wrote out the title, it should read "A Bit of an Advantage."  Ah, the downside of painting live and in the moment.  The duo of Ben Swift (Ineos-Grenadiers) and Thibaud Gruel (Groupama-FDJ) continued to hold a small advantage in the closing kilometers of stage five.  The two swapped going over the ensuing summits with this one going to the Frenchman.  Shortly after I painted this, Swift's teammate Tobias Foss jumped free of the peloton in his efforts to bridge to these two.

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.

"A Bit of an Advantage PN25-18" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Volta ao Algarve '25, Final Stage: The Final Meters

In the final meters of the individual time trial stage, Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Cycling) was able to catch his minute man, Remy Rochas (Groupama-FDJ).  Alaphilippe finished 23rd on the day moving himself up one slot on the general classification into 20th place a little more than two and a half minutes off of the time of the final yellow jersey after five days of racing.  I feel like this bodes well for one of my favorites in the peloton's coming season.

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 VA25-15" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

Volta ao Algarve '25, Stage 4: Almost Over

I just love a title that has more than one meaning.  With just 22 kilometers left of the 175 kilometer stage to race in the final road stage of the 51st Volta ao Algarve clearly, this quartet's suffering was almost over.  In addition, the peloton was a mere twenty seconds behind so their time off the front was just about to come to an end.  For German Tivani (Aviludo-Louletano-Loule) had earned enough King of the Mountains points to make the jersey his for this edition of the race.  Warre Vangheluwe (Soudal-Quick Step), Johan Jacobs (Groupama-FDJ), and Gorka Sorarrain (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) don't have quite as much to show for their time in the breakaway.

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.

"Almost Over VA25-12" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Men's Tour Down Under '25, Stage 1: A Clean Set of Wheels

Just because he was the expected favorite to take the stage didn't mean Sam Welsford (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) wasn't going to do what he does best.  And he did it with a such an obvious advantage.  With his victory, he becomes the first to wear the Ochre Jersey of race leader.  He also is the owner of the Blue Jersey of the best sprinter.  Moving into second in the sprint but not the general classification is Stephen Mathew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike).  While Mathew Walls (Groupama-FDJ) took third in the sprint, yet he does sits behind Brennan in fifth.  The two members of the early break away had earned enough bonus seconds to move into second and third.

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. 

"A Clean Set of Wheels TDU25-21-" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 20: The Next Victim

I try not to be negative in my titles, but facts are facts.  Despite being in the early move of the day, Kevin Geniets (Groupama-FDJ) found the breakaway's pace up the Col de la Couillole just a bit too much.  This is the final climb of four in the final road stage of this Tour de France.  Geniets is the national champion of Luxembourg.  That is why he has a different jersey than the rest of his team.  I do prefer this over Groupama-FDJ's current racing kit.  He did manage to finish the stage nineteenth of the day.  So, while he dropped off the pace, he did finish way up over the majority of those still in the Tour.

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 Next Victim TdF24-128" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 17: Who's Coming?

Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) looks back over the shoulders of his breakaway companions to see that there is a large group coming after them.  Cort is sporting his new blue mustache that he dyed after reaching 200,000 followers on social media.  A bit unusual for a rest day activity, but one must keep themselves entertained.  Cort had been joined in the break by Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ), Tiesj Benoot (Visma-Lease a Bike), and Bob Jungels (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe).  They had built up about two minutes before this second group started chasing them.  The group of thirty-some riders had left the now sedate peloton that had all of the top ten of the general classification in its ranks.

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.

"Who's Coming? TdF24-104" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 14: Dropping the Last Guy

With just ten kilometers to the summit of the Pla d'Adet and the finish line of stage 14, Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) was able to drop David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ).  Gaudu was the last of the early breakaway that was still with the Irishman in pink.  The crowds were thick and crowded the roadway two and three people deep.  Happily, with the exception of some setting of flares, they didn't actually impede the progress of the race.  

Spoiler alert - Both of these guys were caught by the chasing group of the yellow jersey, so a stage win wasn't in the cards for either man.  Healy did get the award for the most Combative Rider in today's stage.  I haven't seen one yet, but he will be wearing a red bib number to show that he was the most aggressive in the previous 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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Dropping the Last Guy TdF24-81" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 14: Strong Climbers

In the valley between the Col du Tourmalet and the Hourquette d'Ancizan this five-man group came together off the front of the remnants of the breakaway.  As they started up the climb it was Ben Healy (EF Education-EasyPost) leading them through the switch backs.  Healy had an incredible group of strong climbers on his wheel.  Right behind him is Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos-Grenadiers), followed in turn by Louis Meintjes (Intermache-Wanty), Oier Lazkano (Movistar), and David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ).  This may well be the break that stays to the finale on the top of the Pla d'Adet.  That is IF the top of the general classification men don't decide to attack each other.  All of the top three would very much like to have the ten bonus seconds that come with winning 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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Strong Climbers TdF24-80" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 14: Nearing the Top of the Tourmalet

With twenty KOM points, a big cash prize, bragging rights, and the chance to go for a long solo run for stage victory, David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) makes a move off the front.  His attack was covered by the Spaniard Oier Lazkano (Movistar).  With the border into Spain just down the other side of the mountain, it was logical that Lazkano wanted to make an impression on the Basque fans and the Tour.  Naturally, the Frenchman Gaudu had much the same desire for his compatriots along the route waving the tri-colore of France.  It was Lazkano who went over the top of the Col du Tourmalet first, but both garnered enough points to feature into the top five on the quest for the final 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 $95 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Nearing the Top of the Tourmalet TdF24-79" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 13: Breaking the Break

Michal Kwiatkowski (Ineos-Grenadiers) looks back to see just who came with him from the larger breakaway group.  He was joined in the breakaway from the breakaway by the two Frenchmen Romain Gregoire (Groupama-FDJ) and Julien Bernard (Lidl-Trek).  Sandwiched between the French duo is the Dane Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility).  The foursome was frustrated with the size and pace of the group they had just left.  Plus, the peloton was closing in, so if they wanted to stay off the front, this was the only option they had.

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.

"Breaking the Break TdF24-71" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 5: Little Chance

Perhaps because they knew it would be futile to try and hold off the sprinters' teams it wasn't until 45 kilometers before a break away got formed.  It was Quentin Pacher (Groupama-FDJ) that got off the front alone.  Within a kilometer or two he was joined by Matteo Vercher (TotalEnergies).  I believe that Groupama-FDJ has been in every single break away of the Tour thus far.  The duo built up a nearly five minute lead on those behind before they started the chase in earnest behind.

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.

"Little Chance TdF24-23" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '24, Stage 4: Down to Four

As they climbed the infamous final climb of the day, the Col du Galibier, the early break was down to just four guys from the original seventeen.  Christopher Juul-Jensen (Jayco-Alula) kept dangling off the back and then regaining the others.  It was looking like Oier Lazkano (Movistar) may be stronger than the others. But David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) was motivated to gain another stage victory for the French now that the race was back on French soil.  And finally, Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) may have been there to soak up King of the Mountain points to defend his teammates lead in the competition to wear the Maillot a Pois.  His teammate kept the jersey for another day, but it really wasn't due to Johannessen's efforts.

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.

"Down to Four TdF24-18" (Original art by Greig Leach)