Paris Roubaix: In Search of Pave

Having come off the first set of cobblestones a few seconds behind the front group, this trio of Tom Van Asbroeck (Israel Start Up Nation), Andre Carvalho (Cofidis) and Tosh Van Der Sande (Lotto Soudal) were just about to tag back onto the group that have dropped them on Sector 30.  They may have been less than thrilled to realize that they were catching on just as the approached the Cappalle a Reusnes section (#24).  With 130 kilometers to race, this was going to be the order, the accordion that is Paris Roubaix.  Some riders can open a gap on the cobbles, and others have to chase back on the smooth tarmac between each section as they wind there way through the north of France.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above. Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-2021/3840220-57-290150/Painting/in-search-of-pave-pr21-10.html

TDF, Stage 21: The First to Congratulate Him

I had not seen a clear view of the finish line when I painted this (so yes, this was painted before the sprint for the line).  I was touched by Andre Greipel (Israel Start Up Nation) congratulations of Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) on his surprising victory on the Champs Elysees.  I also enjoyed that Greipel was reach to hug the Belgium Champion while Van Aert thought he should reach for the German Sprinter's hand.  I have had that moment of familiarity confusion and I am sure you have had it to.  I just like that it goes up to famous bike riders too.  I wanted to make sure to paint Greipel on his last day of racing the Tour as he announced his retirement at the start of the stage.  I'll miss the "Gorilla" and I will miss painting the Tour everyday.  But then while Greipel won't be back next year, I will.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my website at greigleach.com or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of the post to purchase the painting above.  Since it is an original work of art, it is a first come first served reality. The painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/2021-Tour-de-France/3824861-145-291436/Painting/the-first-to-congratulate-him-tdf21-144.html

TDF, Stage 16: Another Tough Day

Chris Froome (Israel Start Up Nation) has had some good days in this Tour, but today wasn't looking like it was going to be one of them.  He finished twenty-three minutes behind the stage winner today, but then the Maillot Jaune along with the main peloton was sixteen minutes behind as well.  Froome is still on his way back from injuries that looked like he may never walk again.  He is doing much better than half of the men in the Tour.  I liked what Mark Cavendish had to say about Froome, "Don't count him out, he will be back," those are important words from someone who had been written off themselves.  Look what Cav has accomplished this Tour when it looked like he wouldn't have a team at the end of last year.

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/3823757-100-291436/Painting/another-tough-day-tdf21-99.html

TDF, Stage 15: Sprinting to the Top

Wout Van Aerts (Jumbo-Visma) decided he would get into the mix of the race for the Maillot a Pois. As Wout Poels (Bahrain-Victorious) and Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) traded sprints for the last two days, it was Van Aerts who surprised them both.  The Belgium champion was fourth in the race for the King of the Mountains title at the start of the day, so I am not sure why Poels and Woods were surprised by his attack for maximum points atop the Col de Puymorens.  What was surprising is that Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) stay out of this sprint on the one on the previous mountain.  Perhaps his form isn't where it should be, or he could be suffering from some undisclosed malady.

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/3823337-93-291436/Painting/sprinting-to-the-top-tdf21-92.html

TDF, Stage 14: Chasing One Man

This trio (well actually it is a quartet, but you can't see Patrick Konrad - Bora-Hansgrohe) was climbing in hopes of catching the one guy up the road.  Mattia Cattaneo (Deceuninck-Quick Step) was leading Sergio Higuita (EF Education-Nippo) and Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation), but I am sure Woods will be the one to go over the top first of this group.  He was.  He only got one point for the effort, but in the competiton for the Maillot a Pois,every points count.  Behind them the Basque flag flies as they near the Spanish and Andoran borders.

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/3823012-87-291436/Painting/chasing-one-man-tdf21-86.html

TDF, Stage 14: He's Coming

When I play poker, this move is akin to sand bagging.  In poker a player will pretend to have a lousy hand, pass on bets, and then raise later in the bidding process.  It is frowned on.  I think Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) will frown on this move by Wout Poels (Bahrain-Victorious).  Poels had been hanging around the back of the break away feining no interest in going for the points atop the Cote de Galimagues.  Woods was fortunate enough to catch sight of the fast closing Poels, but didn't have the legs to hold of the already fast moving Dutchman.  However, Woods going over the top second meant that he will take possesion of the Maillot a Pois at the end of the day in Quillan.  It will be a tough day defending it as the Tour goes into the Pyrennes.

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/3823008-85-291436/Painting/hes-coming-tdf21-84.html

TDF, Stage 14: Not This Time!

Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) kept a sharp eye on Wout Poels (Bahrain-Victorious) as the pair approached the top of Col de la Croix de Morts.  On the previous climb, Poels had out sprinted Woods for the points in the King of the Mountians competition.  If Woods gets to the top first on this climb he will become the virtual King of the Mountians.  This time, Poels couldn't get around the Canadian but there are two more climbs before the finish in Quillan.

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/3823005-84-291436/Painting/not-this-time-tdf21-83.html

TDF, Stage 13: We Did What We Could

After being off the front for 150 kilometers, Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies) shook hands with Omer Goldstein (Israel Start Up Nation) as the peloton came into view.  The two knew it was a long shot (pun intended) but they felt compelled to give it a go.  It is a little unusual for the peloton to make the catch with another 53 kilometers to race.  Normally, the sprinters' teams will leave it to later so no one will think they can get the jump and go alone to the line.   Deceuninck-Quick Step wasn't going to let anyone stop Mark Cavendish from having a chance to tie the record of most career wins in the Tour de France.

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/3822868-81-291436/Painting/we-did-what-we-could-tdf21-80.html

TDF, Stage 13: Chapeau

It looked like the American Sean Bennett (Qhubeka-NextHash) was doffing his hat (helmet) to the motorcycles who was there to pass out water bottles.  Instead he was getting some bug out of his helmet, hopefully not a bee.  Bennett was in the early break of the day along with Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies) and the Israeli Omer Goldstein (Israel Start Up Nation).  With 180 kilometers to race and only a couple of minutes back to the peloton it was unlikely they would have the same success the break had yesterday.  Still nothing ventured nothing gained.  None of these guys were going to out sprint the big sprinters in the Tour so why not give it a shot?

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/3822853-78-291436/Painting/chapeau-tdf21-77.html

TDF, Stage 12: One of Thirteen

I'm so happy to see Andre Greipel (Israel Start Up Nation) off the front of the peloton and in this break.  On this slight climb he drops back to get another water bottle and a bit of advice.  I think it might have been a show of strength on the part of the German sprinter.  I'm sure the others thought they would be able to drop him on these rollers.  They sure didn't want to come to the line with the guy who has won eleven sprints in the Tour over the years, including on the Champs Elysees.

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/3822694-73-291436/Painting/one-of-thirteen-tdf21-72.html

TDF, Stage 9: What Are You Going to Do?

On the Haute Category Col du Pre, it was a locked battle for the lead in the King of the Mountains competition.  Early in the stage, Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) had become the virtual leader in the competion for the Maillot a Pois.  On the previous climb, Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic) had just nipped the Canadian for the maximum points atop the Col des Saisies.  As the duo approached the summit of the Col du Pre, it seemed that one was asking the other what they were going to do.  While the two battle it out, Sergio Higuita (EF Education-Nippo) and Ben O'Connor (Ag2r-Citroen) did their best to keep the others in sight.

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/3821976-53-291436/Painting/what-are-you-going-to-do-tdf21-52.html

TDF, Stage 8: It Was Enough for Yellow

 As this trio rounded the corner within site of the finish in Le Grand Bornand, Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) knew he had done enough to be swapping his Maillot Blance for a Maillot Jaune.  Technically he will have both jersey, but will be wearing the Maillot Jaune at the start line tomorrow.  As he lined up for the sprint against Ion Izagirre (Astana-Premier Tech) and Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) he also new there were some time bonuses for second and third place.  I don't know if he decided he didn't need the bonus, or he had blown his legs in the amazing effort to sieze the jersey, but he finished third out of these three and fourth on the stage.  Regardless, he now has a large lead in this Tour and I am wondering if we saw him win the Tour today.  Can anyone rival his attack today? Or is anyone remotely close to the level of this 22 year old?  I am sure he was heartened to see all of the Slovenian flags that are appearing all along the routes of this year's Tour.  

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/3821779-51-291436/Painting/it-was-enough-for-yellow-tdf21-50.html

TDF, Stage 8: Together Now

Today's stage was an easy one to get confused on.  With riders spread all up and down the mountains, there was even a group over 16 minutes behind the race at this point, it is no wonder I got this painting a little wrong.  Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) had managed to chase down the loan guy up the road and he did ride for Bahrain-Victorious.  However, this is Dylan Teuns (Bahrain-Victorious) who was not the guy sucking up the King of the Mountian points on the day.  That was his teammate Wout Poels.  Teuns has just done what Woods did before.  Teuns had left the chasing group and gone up the road in search of the leader on the road, but in this case it was Woods who was the prey, just as Woods had been the hunter on the Col de Romme.

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/3821763-48-291436/Painting/together-now-tdf21-47.html

TDF, Stage 8: Looking for One Guy

I admit it, I was struck by the beauty of this image (and a masochistic desire to ride up this same climb). I assume Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) at least notice the beauty of his surrounds will he chased Wout Poels (Bahrain-Victorious) up this beautiful climb of the Col de Romme.  This looks quite a bit like the spot that one of the publicity trucks got wedge ahead of the race.  For a few minutes it looked like the race would need to be re-routed, but it all came unstuck long before Michael Woods ant the rest of the peloton arrived.

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/3821755-46-291436/Painting/looking-for-one-guy-tdf21-45.html

TDF, Stage 5 ITT: What Is His Form?

That is the constant question about Chris Froome (Israel Start Up Nation).  Today he left the start house much earlier than would be normal prior to his awful crash two years back before the Tour de France.  It was the kind of crash that would end most careers and keep most cyclist from ever being able to get back on a bike.  While he isn't his former self, he is back riding at a level that means he can compete in the biggest bike race in the world.  No one, including Froome himself, things he will win his fifth Tour this year, but that doesn't mean he won't do it eventually.

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/3821223-26-291436/Painting/what-is-his-form-tdf21-25.html

TDF, Stage 4: Stand Down

The dangers and crashes of the first three days of the Tour let to a riders' protest at the start of today's stage.  Frustrated that they don't have a voice and the UCI (Union Cyliste International) seems to be a rubber stamp for race orgainizers, the peloton though a visual exclaimation point was needed.  I hope this gets a couple of pro riders the right to review course long before the race is staged and get the veto power to back up their concerns.

This is the a view of the back of the peloton as they stood on the side of the road for a full minute after the offical start of the stage.  You can see one of the race photographers in the middle lifting his/her camera to get a shot of the riders standing around.  You can see Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) and Ben O'Connor (Ag2r-Citroen) with several Qhubeka riders, but clearly it was the complete peloton standing in resistance to the dangers that they can be placed in without a chance to effect change.  For those who say why wasn't something said earlier, it works best when the cameras are on you.  Then you have a voice and power.

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/3820873-21-291436/Painting/stand-down-tdf21-21.html

Dauphine, Stage 3: Open Road

Nothing better than the feeling of an open road, the wind on your face, and a bike between your legs.  I hope the Israeli national champion, Omer Goldstein (Israel Start Up Nation) and his break away companion, Loci Vliegen (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) were enjoying the feeling even if the peloton were foiling their effort to stay away.  Unlike the last two stages, this break was looking doomed, they only have forty seven seconds with over forty kilometers to race.  I'm quite sure the peloton wasn't going to mess it up today.  The sprinters really do want their chance for a stage win before the looming mountains.

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/Criterium-du-Dauphine/3814694-94-185083/Painting/open-road-cd21-10.html

LBL Men: Who Is With Me?

Michael Woods (Israel Start Up Nation) hit the front on the Cote de La Roche aux Faucons.  He hoped to drop some of the faster finishers that couldn't climb as fast as he could.  On his wheel was Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) who could be described as a strong finisher and a strong climber.  Just gapping off the back of the duo were David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) and Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates).  I loved the look of the socially distanced fans watching their heros from the other side of the hedge.  It wasn't the normal wild throngs of cycling fans, but then Covid-19 has made everything change over the last year for us all.

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/Spring-Classics-2021/3808164-40-290150/Painting/who-is-with-me-lbl21-5.html

Omloop 2021 - Showing the Team Colors

 It was Davide Ballerini (Deceuninck-Quick Step) who took the victory at the line in Ninove.  As he crossed the line he saluted his team in his victory celebration.  The team has taken the name of "The Wolf Pack" for themselves and they truly hunt for victories together.  It was his teammate Julian Alaphilippe who had tried for a solo victory, and then he was the one to pull the race back together to set it all up for Ballerini.  Behind the celebrating Italian, it is Sep Vanmarcke (Israel Start Up Nation) who took third and Henrich Haussler (Bahrain-Victorious) who claimed fourth.  I apologize to Jake Steward (Groupama-FDJ) who took second, but did so off camera from this angle.

That is it for today's racing, but I plan to be back tomorrow for Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne that will feature many of the same competitors and types of roads.

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-2021/3796487-6-290150/Painting/showing-the-team-colors-ohn21-6.html

Ronde Van Vlaanderen, Kissing His Babies

 While cycling is full of drama, extreme physical efforts, crashes and an unending amout of pain, it does have its moments of charm and humanity.  This moment was one of those.  Tom Van Asbroeck (Israel Start Up Nation) took the time to stop and visit his young family on the side of the road as he raced through his home town.  He started with his eldest daughter, now hugging his middle child, finishing with the babe in his wife's arms and then a big kiss for her.  The race had another 100 kilometers to race, so he had no worries about not being to catch back onto the peloton after these few moments of love and happiness.

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/2020-Bike-Racing-Revised-Season/3722687-30-280747/Painting/kissing-his-babies-rvv20-1.html