Tour '25, Stage 19: That Should Seal It

Lidl-Trek hit the front as soon as Prudhome waved the flag at kilometer zero.  They were off with one sole purpose today and that was to get the maximum sprint points for their man Jonathan Milan.  With this intermediate sprint he should now have enough points to carry the Maillot Vert all of the way to Paris.  Should Tadej Pogacar not win the stage that should make it mathematically impossible for the yellow jersey to win the green one too.  So yet again, Milan out sprinted everyone within his group at the intermediate sprint out gunning Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) and Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies).  His team has been so strong that the USA Champion Quinn Simmons who is on his team took fourth in the sprint.  Even he had the legs to outsprint Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno X-Mobility).  Although, I discovered moments later that Abrahamsen was preparing for the post sprint counter move to start 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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"That Should Seal It TdF25-125" (Original art by Greig Leach)

This painting has sold!

Tour '25, Stage 17: Making It Two!

In the last left turn before the peloton lined up for the sprint a large bunch crashed after someone (or two) slide out on the wet road.  Since the wreck happened at the front of the peloton a number of sprinters went down or were held up too long to vie for the stage victory.  I doubt any would have had the legs to get around Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) who claimed his second stage victory of his career and this Tour.  One of those caught out by the crash was Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) who is the only sprinter to beat Milan to the line, twice.  Today it was Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) with Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL) taking the third step of the podium.  Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) sprinted to fourth today.  For Milan, his win today may mean he has done what he needed to keep the Maillot Vert all of the way to Paris.  It really depends on the coming intermediate sprints, and how the new course on the final day in Paris will be raced.

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.

"Making It Two TdF25-116" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 17: Continuing His Streak

Every time the peloton approaches an intermediate sprint regardless of a break being off the front or not, it is Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) who takes the sprint over the group he is within.  So the four-man break took the maximum points, but Milan sucked up the most that were left towards solidifying his lead in the Maillot Vert.  The continual also ran, Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) took the next placing holding strong to his third place in the competition, or we could say second amongst the sprinters.  I talk about why that is in my YouTube post I filmed while painting this watercolor.  You will be able to click through to that video below... eventually.  While you are there, it would be lovely if you would subscribe to the channel.

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.

"Continuing His Streak TdF25-112" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 16: Well, That Didn't Work

Both of the two top sprinters still in the Tour de France, had missed the early breakaway of thirty-one guys.  With that many up the road neither would score any points towards the Maillot Vert of most consistent sprinter of the Tour.  Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) has the lead in that competition with Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) just a bit behind him.  Unfortunately for the sprinters the combination of Tadej Pogacar sitting in second in the competition and the "Monster of Provence," Mont Ventoux facing the peloton at the end of the stage Milan was in danger of losing that spiffy Green Jersey.  Naturally, if Milan goes on the attack, Girmay is going to follow.  It was nice to see them exchange a kind word after their failed effort to bridge up to 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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"Well, That Didn't Work TdF25-103" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 9: For the Second Time

Unfortunately for the early breakaway of Mathieu Van Der Poel and Jonas Rickaert (Alpecin-Deceuninck) Van Der Poel was caught by the charging peloton with roughly 900 meters left to race.  It was a very long shot that may have started as a lark almost came to fruition.  Instead, it was the sprinters who vied to win on the streets of Chateauroux.  The town has given itself the nickname of Cavendish City, since the record holding sprinter had won all three of the sprint stages that ended here.  Without Cavendish still racing, it would be someone new to claim stage honors today.  That honor went to Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) who edged out Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), again! This time it was about a half of a bike length rather than a half inch like Stage 3.  It was Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) getting his sprinting legs turning over taking third followed by Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL).  Sadly, my pick for the stage, Biniam Girmay, could only sprint to sixth not even making into the frame.

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.

"For the Second Time TdF25-57" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 8: The One that Matters

When the sprint opened up in Laval Espace Mayenne the only guy who could even come close to holding onto the Italian sprinter's wheel was Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike).  But not even the former Belgium champion could spoil Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) from winning his first Tour de France stage.  While he is wearing the sprinter's Maillot Vert, he didn't lead the sprint composition until he crossed the finish line.  To explain, if someone holds more than one jersey they will wear the highest ranking one like the Maillot Jaune over the Maillot Vert.  If that is the case, the guy sitting in second place will wear the lesser jersey instead.  So, while he started the day wearing green on loan, with this victory he now is leading the sprint competition and owns the jersey outright.

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 One that Matters TdF25-52" (Original art by Greig Leach) 

Tour '25, Stage 8: Adding to His Collection

Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) has been perfect at sprinting against the bunch in every intermediate sprint in this Tour thus far.  Today, he was able to sprint for the maximum of twenty points in Vitre. I keep thinking this is close to the French word for 'fast.'  Milan was certainly fast.  Try as the might, the trio of Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quickstep), Anthony Turgis (TotalEnergies) and Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) couldn't get within a half a bike length of the guy wearing the Maillot Vert.  At this point he sits in second place in the sprinters' competition, but this addition to his collection of points will set him up to retake the lead at the stage's finale.  Milan just missed getting his first Tour de France stage win when Merlier beat him in a photo finish.  I'm worried about Girmay, he just doesn't have the pop that won him that same green jersey last year.

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. 

"Adding to His Collection TdF25-49" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 7: Consistently, the Best of the Rest

The peloton found itself coming to the intermediate sprint with a five-man break up the road yet again.  For the third time (I think) Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) was sprinting to be the 'best of the rest' in Pledran.  He was easily able to come around last year's winner of the final Maillot Vert, Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty).  I can't decide if Milan is just that much better, or Girmay just doesn't have the punch he had in 2024.  Still, bringing Milan over Mads Pedersen seems to have been the correct decision for Lidl-Trek.  

Normally I have been seeing Eritrean flags at the sprint points, but today the only flag flying was of Slovenia for the erstwhile Maillot Jaune of Tadej Pogacar.

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. 

"Consistently, the Best of the Rest TdF25-42 " (Original art by Greig Leach)

 

Tour '25, Stage 6: Reclaiming Green

I was upset when I learned that Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) was going to be on the Tour de France squad instead of Mads Pedersen.  Clearly, team management knows more about what they are doing than I do.  Despite the other sprinter's teams doing a lead-out Milan was easily able to jump clear to grab maximum points in the intermediate sprint in Villers Bocages.  This was the first time he got to sprint from the front of the peloton since no breakaway had yet formed.  Behind him it was Mathieu Van Der Poel and then Biniam Girmay taking second and third, but they were several bike lengths back.  They didn't even make this painting.  This was the last time we saw any of the sprinters today.  They found the fast fight to start a breakaway too much on the first climb of the day and finished the day roughly a half hour after the 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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra. 

"Reclaiming Green TdF25-32" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 4: Increasing His Advantage

Just like the intermediate sprint yesterday there were four guys still off the front from the early breakaway.  And just like yesterday, it was Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) taking out the best of the rest sprint from the peloton.  Unlike yesterday, it was a clean sprint without a big crash.  Milan clearly got the better of Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) is closest competitor for the final Maillot Vert.  He increased his lead over Grimay by a single point as he sped through Saint Adrien.

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.

"Staying Hydrated TdF25-19" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour '25, Stage 3: Photo Finish!

I, nor the race commentators on NBC, could tell who had won stage three between Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) and Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek).  However, Merlier was sure it was him as he raised his arms in victory after his lunge to the line.  He was right.  Behind the two who were separated by the width of a tire, it was Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain-Victorious) taking the third step of the podium in Dunkirk.  Just off of the podium were Soren Werenskjold (Uno X-Mobility), Pavel Bittner (Picnic-PostNL), Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) and Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) in turn.  It would have been poetic if Groves could have taken the stage given the loss of his team's main sprinter, but it was not to be.  Milan will become the new owner of the Maillot Vert vacated by the unlucky Jasper Philipsen. 

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.

"Photo Finish! TdF25-17" (Original art by Greig Leach)

This painting has sold!

Tour '25, Stage 2: Pissed Off

Despite having won the intermediate sprint behind the four-man breakaway, Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) was pissed off at Biniam Girmay (Intermarche-Wanty) over some perceived infraction.  For the life of me I couldn't see what made him go full Italian waving his hands all over the place.  If anything, Grimay should have been the one with the complaint as the Italian had tried to push the Eritrean off of his lead-out man's wheel.  While they were arguing, Tim Merlier (Soudal-Quick Step) - the European Champion - had taken the spot in-between the two.  And the Maillot Jaune on the shoulders of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was the fourth across the intermediate sprint line of the peloton in  Enocq.  

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.

"Pissed Off TdF25-9" (Original art by Greig Leach)

This painting has sold!

Tour '25, Stage 1: The First Sprint Points

Once the breakaway had been caught it meant that maximum points were available at the intermediate sprint in La Motte au Bois.  It was the Tour rookie, Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) who claim the sprint and its twenty points towards the Green Jersey.  While I thought it was Biniam Girmay (Intermache-Wanty) that took second, it was in fact Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) who just beat out the Eritrean sprinter.  Oddly, it was Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) taking fourth.  Perhaps, he didn't want to go too deep, saving himself for stage honors in another 94 kilometers.  Even with winning this sprint, it will be the stage winner who will have not only the lead in the Maillot Vert competition, he will also wear the first Maillot Jaune of this Tour de 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 work sells for $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

"The First Sprint Points TdF25-3" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Criterium du Dauphine '25, Stage 3: Shepherding Yellow

Just as they did yesterday, the team of the sprinter Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) did what they could to keep him near the tail of the peloton over the five climbs today.  Three of his teammates rode with him including Edward Theuns and Amanuel Ghebreigzabheir in hopes of keeping him in the Maillot Jaune of race leader.  Despite their best efforts, he lost over five minutes to the eventual stage winner.  That winner also took his Maillot Blanc of the best young rider, too.  Still better to have worn the jersey one day then not at all.

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.

"Shepherding Yellow CdD25-11" (Original art by Greig Leach)

 

Criterium du Dauphine '25, Stage 2: Worth the Wait

Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) paid back all of his teammates work (and faith in him) in spades!  With fifty kilometers to race, he was off the back with his team desperately trying to pull him back up to the peloton.  Obviously, they succeeded.  It may have been that extra incentive he needed to out sprint Fred Wright (Bahrain-Victorious), Mathieu Van Der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Stian Fredheim (Uno X-Mobility).  His stage win came with ten bonus seconds which made him equal on time with Tadej Pogacar who started the day in the Maillot Jaune.  But since Milan has won the most recent stage, it is Italian who will be wearing the coveted yellow jersey tomorrow.  I can't think of a better way to thank your team for their help.  Van Der Poel's second third place in a row is enough for him to wear the Maillot Vert of most consistent sprinter at the start line tomorrow.

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.

"Worth the Wait CdD25-10" (Original art by Greig Leach)