Tour, Stage 8: Sprinting for More

Unlike Sagan earlier, Benoit Cosnefroy (Ag2r La Mondiale) wasn't leaving anything to chance as he sprinted out of the eight man break.  As Jerome Cousin (Total Direct Energie) watched his countryman go, he thought about trying to go with him, but didn't quite have the legs to match Cosnefroy's burst of speed at the top of the Col de Menthe.  Ilnur Zakarin (CCC) just kept churning over his pedals thinking of a stage victory at the end of the day.

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-2020/3693030-47-282744/Painting/sprinting-for-more-tdf20-42.html

Tour, Stage 20: Want to Join Me?

Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) felt the moment was right with just eight kilometers left of climbing to launch an attack from the back of the small peloton.  He was covered by Marc Soler (Movistar) and the French National Champion, Warren Barguil (Arkea Samsic).  As the trio caught Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) Yates seemed to invite the Russian to catch onto their wheels.  Yates has two stage victories in this year's Tour already, he sure seemed to want just one more.  Alas, it wasn't to be.

Watch me paint this watercolor as I talk about the Tour over the past two days on my You Tube channel :

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3366223-116-263530/Want%20to%20Join%20Me?%20%20TDF19-116.html

Tour, Stage 20: It's a Long Shot

The early break that included Micheal Woods (EF Education First), Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin), Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) and two others hoped that the peloton would be too interested in each other to bother with them.  With such a short stage, but a long climb, it was going to be a bit of a long shot to stay off of the front.  Behind there would be efforts to drop one another which will inevitably increase the peloton's pace.  Woods has been racing most of this Tour with two broken ribs, which makes his position off the front on a big climb just that much more impressive.

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3366048-114-263530/It's%20a%20Long%20Shot%20%20TDF19-114.html

Tour, Stage 14: Starting His Effort

Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) has been saying from the start of this Tour that he is only here to win stages.  He certainly is too far back to be an overall contender.  Today he got into the break and then went on the offensive on the first big climb of the day, the Col du Soulor.  He was joined by another potential GC man who is too far behind, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin).  The third member of the leading trio is Lennard Kamna (Sunweb), no back story here, he is just keeping an eye on the proceedings.

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.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube.  If you enjoy what you see on the channel, please subscribe.  I need to get over a hundred subscribers so I can name the channel, "Art of Cycling"

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3362735-75-263530/Starting%20His%20Effort%20%20TDF19-75.html

Tour, Stage 19: Sneak Peak

With just one more stage in the mountains, nearly everyone who could was out on the offensive.  Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) wasn't having the Tour he had hoped for.  Quite a few of his teammates went out of the race in the early stages due to crashes and illness.  And then he just didn't have the legs, until today.  As this foursome off the front rides through one of the snow tunnels on the Col du Tourmalet, he peers back over his shoulder to see just how many of his erstwhile breakaway companions they had gotten rid of.  The Zakarin group is being led my Mikel Landa (Movistar), Rafal Majka (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale).  All were hoping to be the ones to stay away for a stage victory.  Two of the teams represented have yet to win a stage this year, the others have a tiny bit of pressure eased from their team managers.

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-2018/3195474-101-251072/PaintingSneak-Peak--T18-100.html

Vuelta, Stage 18: Causing a Reaction

It is not just the Spanish crowds that react when Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo) goes on the attack.  As the peloton, which was over ten minutes behind the early break away, started up the penultimate climb of the Collada de la Hoz, it was Contador who jumped free of the Sky lead group.  Quickly on to the Spaniard's wheel were Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) and Miquel Angel Lopez (Astana).  Lopez is wearing the white jersey of the leader of the combination jersey (I believe it is on loan from Chris Froome (Team Sky)).   It was interesting to watch the snake like swing of the peloton to catch Contador's wheel, but it was a snake that was quickly beheaded by his effort.

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/Vuelta-2017/3030456-41-239162/PaintingCausing-a-Reaction-V-42.html

Vuelta, Stage 15: Climbing Mountains & Podiums

The last one to jump free of the peloton was the Russian, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin).  He quickly opened a gap, a gap that was big enough to move him up to third place overall, but not big enough to catch the lone leader who may have already crossed the finish line.  The biggest thing though, was the crowds of yelling fans lining every inch of the final couple of kilometers to the highest point of the Vuelta.  Zakarin went from 6th to 3rd place in the span of just 1500 meters.  Chapeau!

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/Vuelta-2017/3027014-29-239162/PaintingClimbing-Mountains-&-Podiums-V-30.html

Giro, Stage 20: Excited!

Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) had finished in the top five on four previous stages, so he was beyond excited to win the final road stage of the Giro.  Over his shoulder, Vincenzo Niblai (Bahrain-Merida) looked over to make sure he had place in the top three.  He needed the bonus seconds to offset the 10 seconds Pinot's stage win earned the Frenchman.  Grabbing second on the stage was Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) who had worked hard to keep himself and Pinot away from the chasing group the included, Nibali, Quintana and Pozzovivo.  Rounding out the top five on the day, where Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar).  Sorry, Quintana, didn't make it into frame, but his ride moved him to a 53 second lead over Tom Dumoulin.

Now Thibaut only trails Nibali by two seconds, leaving just 39 seconds separating first through third.  Dumoulin has now dropped to fourth overall (remember Nibali's remarks about karma?) but is still well within striking distance of the win tomorrow and retaking the Maglia Rosa.  If you are wondering, Jungels did not gain anytime on Adam Yates in the race for the Maglia Bianca.

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 racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing 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. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2974159-141-235247/PaintingExcited!-G170149.html

Giro, Stage 19: Where Are You?

Some of the others taking advantage of the GC podium battle were, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) and Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale).  Zakarin was flicking his elbow trying to get Pozzovivo to come around and take a turn on the front.  When he didn't come around, Zakarin looked behind, but couldn't find the little Italian,  Behind the duo, you can see the Jolly Roger flag in memory of the beloved Italian cyclist, Marco Pantani.  Down the road, the new favored Italian, Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana were racing for the Maglia Rosa.  Somehow there was no imagery of the two crossing the line, with Quintana getting a couple of seconds on the Italian.  At the end of the day, the Maglia Rosa went to Quintana, Dumoulin moved to second and Nibali held his third place.  His retort to Dumoulin is looking a little more prophetic.

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 racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing 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. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2973501-134-235247/PaintingWhere-Are-You?-G17-142.html

Giro, Stage 14: Leading the Race

As the climb leveled out with just over a half of a kilometer left to race, it was the Maglia Rosa of Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) who lead the race on the road and on the general classification, who brought them home.  Tucked onto the Dutchman's wheel was the improving Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) followed by the captured Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and Mikel Landa (Sky).  Dumoulin went on to win the stage, increasing his lead on everyone.  He finished 13 seconds ahead of Quintana and got a 10 second time bonus to boot.  It is beginning to look like he will be unbeatable in this the 100th Giro d'Italia.  And Italy is still looking for the first Italian to take a stage.

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 racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing 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. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2970223-92-235247/PaintingLeading-the-Race-G17-100.html

Giro, Stage 10: Helping Himself

Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha-Alpecin) came up to the line feeling good about his ride.  The individual time trial is oft called the 'race of truth' because it is just the rider, his bike and the clock.  There is no support from the team, so race strategy, no drafting, just a lone rider doing the best that he (or she) can.  Zakarin was able to put himself into eight place on the GC after a strong showing today.  It should be noted that less than two minutes separate him from second place, although he is over four minutes down on the new Maglia Rosa of Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb).

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/2967489-71-235247/PaintingHelping-HImself-G17-72.html

Giro, Stage 3: Bring Him Back, Again

Ilnur Zakarin's (Katusha-Alpecin) might be getting a little frustrated with their team leader.  Twice now they have had to work very hard to pull their man back up to the peloton after a mechanical.  Yesterday it was a very hard chase indeed, one that the commentators didn't think was going to happen.  Roughly twenty four hours later they found themselves doing it again.  At least this time they didn't have as much time to make up nor as little distance in which to succeed.

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/2963193-19-235247/PaintingBring-Him-Back,-Again-G17-19.html

Paris Nice, Stage 4: In the Last Turn

Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) has been keeping a low profile thus far, but in the individual time trial, there is no place to hide.  Fortunately for the Russian, he had now reason to hide nor to be ashamed of his performance today.  He just missed upsetting the time of Alberto Contador, but his ride today kept him well within striking distance of the Yellow Jersey as the race moves southwards.

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%20/2931061-351-195767/PaintingIn%20the%20Last%20Turn%20PN17-16.html#.WMBZMPkrLIU

Tour, Stage 20: Over His Last One

It has been reported that Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) his hanging up his cleats at the end of this season.  If that is the case, than this is him cresting his last alpine pass in the Tour de France.  Not wanting to go out with a whimper, Purito jumped from the Yellow Jersey group and went on the offensive along with his teammate, Ilnur Zakarin.  It was a long shot thinking that they could catch those up the road, the leaders were two and a half minutes and there is only eleven kilometer (downhill) to the finish.  Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Perhaps he could go down the wet roads faster than anyone ahead or behind.

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%202016/2828173-152-224974/PaintingOver%20His%20Last%20One%20TdF153-Greig-Leach.html#.V5Q6LbgrLIU

Tour, Stage 17: Climbing Alone, Sort of

The Russian, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) may have been off the front riding alone, but given the thousands of fans lining the road, he was hardly alone.  Zakarin had attacked on the final climb up the Finhaut Emosson hoping to do better at the summit than he had on Stage 15.  Spoiler alert... He did.  With the stage finishing just at the summit of the climb, the riders had nothing left to left their arms in celebration, so this will have to do for Zakarin's stage victory painting.  Chapeau!  He has been selected to represent Russian in Rio for the Summer Olympics, but given the systemic doping through the Russian Olympic Federation, it remains to be seen whether if any Russians will be allowed to compete.  The UCI and ASO have such rigorous doping controls, that I am confident that he is not one of those trying to cheat (or he almost definitely would have been caught by now).  But he may be the "baby that gets thrown out with the bath water."

It is wonderful to have gotten into the 17th stage of the Tour without any mention of doping, let alone anyone being kick out of the race for positive blood test.  Perhaps the culture is truly changed.  Perhaps.

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%202016/2826272-123-224974/PaintingClimbing%20Alone,%20Sort%20of%20TdF124-Greig-Leach.html#.V5AAxriAOko

Tour: Stage 15: Looking for the Summit

The original successful break of the day was comprised of up to thirty riders, but the repetitive climbs dwindle that number down rather quickly.  On the other end of the break, the leaders kept changing.  By the time the front of the race started up the Haute Catagorie climb up the Grand Colombier, it was Rafal Majka (Tinkoff) back on the front along with the Russian on the Russian team, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha).  The pair worked their way through the throngs of fans along the road.  However, unlike Mont Ventoux on Bastille Day, the crowd left enough room for the race to pass unmolested.  All though some less than kind things may have been shouted, but the relative composure seems to have returned to the sides of the road.

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%202016/2824711-106-224974/PaintingLooking%20for%20the%20Summit%20TdF107-Greig-Leach.html#.V4waqbgrLIU

Tour, Stage 15: A Watchful Eye

I can't help myself, I love a title that opens up the interpretation of what is going on in the image, instead of spelling it out for you, the viewer.  There are two individuals who are being watchful in this painting.  First, the gendarme, one of an extra 1,500 police who have been added to the already excellent security of the Tour.  Since the attack in Nice, the fear as been that those responsible would target the Tour.  I am sure that it isn't the first time that the thought has crossed the minds of race officials or the security forces of France.  And then their is Rafal Majka (Tinkoff) who is watching behind to make sure that no one is bridging across to him nor his attacking companion, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha).  The duo was trying to get the break away to stick as they labored up the Col du Berthland, the first of six categorized climbs of the day.

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%202016/2824696-103-224974/PaintingA%20Watchful%20Eye%20TdF104-Greig-Leach.html#.V4wP2rgrLIU

Giro Stage 20: Shoulder to Shoulder

With the top of the Giro and the Primo Coppi in sight, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) was caught by the charging Mikel Landa (Astana).  Before the thousands who had gotten themselves up to watch the hard men in spandex summit this illustrious climb, the pair road shoulder to shoulder on the rutted dirt and mud track.  Poor Zakarin, who had labored alone up most of the tortured ascent, Landa nipped around the Russian just as the reached the high point of the race.  For the pair, it was now time to get back down off of the mountain as fast as possible.  Fortunately, the back side of the Colle Delle Finestre featured a well paved smooth road.  Reaching the kind of speeds that they were about to obtain and then cornering on this dirt track could well have been disastrous.  The tight corners and high speeds on the tarmac were dangerous enough.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561502---184157/Painting.html#.VWqubc9Viko

Giro Stage 20: Worried About the Tifosi

Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha) was the last survivor of the early breakaway.  He was doing a great job of holding his own against the chasing Gruppo Maglia Rosa on the climb up the fabled Coll Delle Finestre.  While still on the hard surfaced road, he was encountering the overly zealous tifosi along the course.  It is apparently a great treat for usually inebriated fans to run along side the struggling cyclists.  This often leads to painful mishaps, usually more for the runner than the racer, but many have had their climbing rhythm disrupted, been bumped into, or even knocked off of their bikes.  It has been entertaining listening to the BeIN Sports announcers, Daniel Lloyd and Carlton Kirby shout for the "idiots" to get out of the way (needless to say, the tifosi can't hear the broadcasters, nor would they heed them if they could).

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561484---184157/Painting.html#.VWqiPs9Viko

Giro Stage 15: Securing Azure

Benat Intxausti (Movistar) bedecked in the Azure Blue King of the Mountains Jersey jumped out of the large breakaway on the climb up La Fricca, along with his teammate, Giovanni Visconti and a previous stage winner, Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha),  Intxausti had hit the breakaway fulling intending to be the first to reach the top of all three of the climbs that faced those remaining in the 98th Giro de Italia.  By summiting the climb up to La Fricca, he could chalk off the first of the three catagorized climbs of stage 15.  With the return of the sun, the fans came back out in droves to watch their heroes struggle up the climbs that they have all strained to climb on their own bicycles.

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.  They are a small family run art supply company that have incredible quality art supplies.  You can find them on the web at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  All of my small cycling watercolors are $50 USD plus shipping (including international shipping), including this one.  While you are at the website, why not take the time to look at all of the artwork on offer?

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559370---184157/Painting.html#.VWJlI_lViko