The Frenchman, Jerome Coppel, was the next rider to post the best times along the course. Coppel was not one of the riders that was on my radar to put in a strong ride, but then, what do I know? However, when Coppel reached the false flat rising to the finish line, he pushed enough on the pedals to be the next to claim the top chair in the leader's holding area. As he rolled into the hall, I yelled "Chapeau!" his head turned in my direction and smiled. I don't think he expected to hear "hat" called out in Virginia. Further still I had the chance to congratulate him on what became his bronze medal on the day. It is truly amazing how much access fans have with the heroes of the sport.
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 along with two different sizes of prints in the Richmond Convention Center just a block away from the finish line of every race of the UCI World Road Racing Championships. Just come look for me directly across from the awards podium. Plus you can find a live stream of my painting the works at
www.richmond.com were the paintings will soon be available for purchase.
