Tour Femmes '26, Stage 9: Are We Good?

I missed all of the controversy about a single turn on the final climb of stage 8 of the Tour de France Femmes.  Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM) had accused FDJ United-Suez of intentionally blocking her when their leader attacked on the final climb.  As I watched it, I felt that while it was unfortunate that she could respond to the attack, she had chosen the wrong line into the corner.  I put it down to frustration and fatigue.  At the start of today's final stage of the race both she and Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) seemed to have a rather lengthy conversation.  While we won't know what was set, I like to think that they settled their differences and decided to let their legs do the talking.  In her post race interview... perhaps not.  Ahead of these two was Marlen Reusser (Movistar) who sits in third place and had lost her Maillot Jaune to Niewiadoma along with her teammate, Paula Ostiz.  Behind the top three of the Tour Femmes is Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal).  I wonder how much of the argument will fuel the racing today.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Are We Good? TdFF26-56" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 6: Coming Around Right

From being off the back on the penultimate climb of the day to out sprinting the leaders to claim the stage, Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) had a rather exceptional stage.  With her efforts she moved herself into the top ten just seventeen seconds behind the woman who finished second today, Cedrine Kerboal (EF Education-Oatly).  Not only did Puck Peiterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) increase her lead in the Queen of the Mountains competition, she finished third on the day, too.  Behind them, it was the local woman (and French Champion) Celia Gery (FDJ United-Suez) only managed fifth.  She was awarded the most combative rider of the day much to the delight of the fans.  Fifth went to Liane Lippert (Movistar).  I feel like she was conflicted on whether to ride for herself or to help pull her teammate and Maillot Jaune closer to these leaders.  The Yellow Jersey group came in half a minute after the winner, but it wasn't enough to affect the top of the general classification, since they were all together.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Coming Around Right TdFF26-38" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 6: Down the Other Side

As the peloton started back down the other side of the Col de Lalouvesc, it was good to see that Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) was back in the group.  Holding onto the tail of the group was Nina Buijsman (Human Powered Health) probably wanting to have a clear view of the descent.  It is always safer to be able to pick your own line through the corners on a steep descent.  Given the speeds they were hitting, I doubt they had time to admire the view off to their right.  I sure did find the sweeping vistas beautiful.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Down the Other Side TdFF26-35" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 6: Under Escort

When I first saw Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal) off the back of the peloton on the climb of the Col de Lalouvesc I assumed she was struggling.  The Mauritian Champion apparently had some sort of a mechanical and was now on her spare bike.  She was being escorted back to the peloton by her teammates Justine Ghekiere and the Spanish Champion Mirela Benito.  It seems that she also rated an escort by the gendarme and his motorcycle as well.  Obviously, that is where the title came from.  She did rejoin the leading group, but more about that later.

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.

Purchase this painting here: "Under Escort TdFF26-34" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist → 

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 3: Watching Each Other

After attacking each other on the final climb of the day, this group of favorites sat up and looked to each other.  Amongst the group are the new Maillot a Pois, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) on the rear of the group with Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon/SRAM) along with Kim Le Court-Piemaar (AG Insurance-Soudal).  It was Le Court who started the aggression but once covered seemed to decide to fight another day.  Towards the front is the defending Tour de France Femmes champion, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Visma-Lease a Bike) and her teammate Femke De Vries amongst others.  They did sit up and let the rest of the peloton catch them.  In addition, they never caught the two up the road leaving the Visma-Lease a Bike duo's teammate Marianne Vos to sprint for third place on 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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "Watching Each Other TdFF26-17" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Tour Femmes '26, Stage 1: The First in Yellow

It was Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) raising her arms in victory atop the final climb of the day in Lusanne.  Her victory in the opening stage means she will pull on the first Maillot Jaune of the Tour de France Femmes.  Behind her are Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) - who will wear the Maillot Vert on loan from Wiebes - and then the European Champion, Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) taking 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 $99 USD including shipping, but, yes, international shipping is both available and extra.

Purchase this painting here: "The First in Yellow TdF26-6" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Learn more about Greig Leach at The Art of Cycling: About the Artist: Greig Leach

And learn about Leach's published books at The Art of Cycling: Cycling Books by Greig Leach

Learn More About the Artist →  

Strade Bianche Donne 2026: Going the Wrong Way

It is a rare occurrence but sometimes a group of riders will go off the racecourse.  That is what happened to a group of about ten women who were chasing the leading group with about 34 kilometers left to race.  While the course is usually well marked, the leading motorcycle went down a dirt road (just like the famous gravel sections that the Strade Bianche is known for) and the leading rider intuitively followed the motorcycle rather than staying on the hard surface road.  Amongst those going off course was Anna Van Der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime), Paula Blasi (UAE Team ADQ), Lucinda Brand (Lidl-Trek), Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) and Millie Couzens (Fenix-Premier Tech) the current British Champion.  Others went of course as well.  They were about a minute behind the leading group but by the time they got turned around and back on course they were over three minutes behind the front of the race.  It was already a long shot that they would rejoin the front of the race before their errand turn, but now their chances of a high finished are over.

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.

"Going the Wrong Way SB26-2" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 8: Back on Her Bike

After her brilliant descend off of the last mountain yesterday to save her Maillot Jaune, it was a bit of a surprise to see Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) mess up a corner so badly on the descent of the Cote de Saint Georges d'Hurtieres.  She was on the front of the peloton when she went into a corner way to hot.  She tried to brake, but locked up here wheels, let go tried again, locked again.  She eventually went head over heels into the embankment but came out unscathed.  Shimano Neutral service was to her in a flash helping her get sorted and even bringing her a spare bike.  Fortunately, she didn't need the bike, nor did she need the doctor.  She was up and chasing almost right away, but you could tell she was a bit rattled... for a little while.  She did catch the peloton again near the end of the valley below.

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.

"Back on Her Bike TdFF25-46" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 8: Any Advice?

Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) drops back from the lead group to talk directly with her sports director.  Sometimes it is easier to chat through the team car window than over a radio.  So, when the peloton slowed down in the valley after the Col de Plainpalais she dropped back for a bit of advice on how to play the rest of the stage.  Despite her wearing the Maillot Jaune and having a number ending in one, she was prepared to help her climbing teammate Sarah Gigante move up the final climb and up the general classification.  I'm sure that she, her teammate and the rest of the team wouldn't mind another stage win, too.  I did film a YouTube video while painting this and talked about the perfect car sponsor for EF Education-Oatly.  They got Cadillac to sponsor them and now they have a pink Cadillac for their team car.

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.

"Any Advice? TdFF25-44" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 7: Gainers & Losers

As the peloton climbed the Col du Granier, Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) in her Maillot Jaune lost contact with the group of favorites now twenty-nine seconds up the road.  Behind her, Nienke Vinke (Picnic-PostNL) was moving herself into the Maillot Blanc of best young rider, taking it off of Julie Bego (Cofidis) who had held it since the first day of the Tour Femmes.  Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck) & Alice Maria Arzuffi (Laboral Kutxa-Fundacioin Euskadi) were thrilled to have two wheels that will work tirelessly to regain the front of the race.  Le Court used the drop off the other side of the mountain to chase back onto the group that had dropped her on the way up.  She came to the line a minute behind the stage winner in sixth place nestled in the group of favorites.  She remains the the Maillot Jaune of race leader ending the day not losing a single second to her rivals for the final Yellow Jersey on Sunday.

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.

"Gainers & Losers TdFF25-41" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 6: A Few More Seconds

With the lone attacker up the road, the favorites for the Tour were sprinting for four and two seconds bonus in Valcivieres.  This was anyone's last chance to pick up a few seconds in the middle of the stage.  For the remaining stages bonuses will only be rewarded for at the finish line.  Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) added even more seconds to her lead, with Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Canyon/SRAM-zondacrypto) mopping up the remaining bonus.  Yet again, Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) missed out in the bonus sprint, but on the other hand she is right there with the favorites for the over-all victory.  The three were a minute and seventeen seconds behind the lone leader with another twelve kilometers to race.  I'm sure they won't see Maeva Squiban again.  That means when this sprint happens again at the line in Amberet it will be for second place.

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. 

"A Few More Seconds TdFF25-34" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 5: Back into Yellow

Not only did Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) take the bonus sprint, she also had the legs to just hold off Demi Vollering (FDJ-Suez) to claim the stage victory.  While it looks like she is wearing the UCI World Champion Rainbow Jersey, it is actually the Mauritius National Champion's jersey.  But you don't need to remember that tomorrow, the bonus seconds from the sprint and the stage win means she will be pulling the Maillot Jaune back on after ceding it to Marianne Vos in stage two.  They are the only two women to have the leader's jersey thus far in the Tour de France Femmes this edition.  Clearly, Demi Vollering is doing much better than we all feared after being helped home by her teammates just two stages ago.  Le Court was so sure she had the victory that she celebrated a bit early, but still won the stage by three-quarters of a bike length.

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.

"Back into Yellow TdFF25-28" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 3: Tightly Packed

The peloton had started the process of pulling back the breakaway when there was still another seventy-five kilometers to ride to Angers.  The gap had been out to four minutes but by now it was just over three minutes to the four-woman group off the front.  Inside the peloton Kimberley Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) was riding with her teammates shepherded by the Belgium Champion Justine Ghekiere.  Next to the Maillot Jaune Herietta Christie (EF Education-Oatley) passes a bottle over to her teammate (an USA National Champion) Kristen Faulkner.  Faulkner came to the world's notice when she won the Gold Medal in the Olympic Road Race on the same course that the men finished the Tour de France yesterday.

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. 

"Tightly Packed TdFF25-12" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, Stage 2: With Fifty Meters to Spare

Against the odds, Mavi Garcia (Liv-Alula-Jayco) was able to hold off the fast-sprinting peloton over the final climb and through the finish at Quimper.  Behind her it is Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) trying desperately to catch Garcia, but must settle for second place on the second stage of Tour de France Femmes.  Kim Le Court's (AG Insurance-Soudal) third place just ahead of Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) with its four second time bonus meant that she will be the second woman to wear the Maillot Jaune in as many stages.  I would have expected Garcia to figure in the GC now, but she was so far back at the start of the stage, that while she moved up 39 places, she is still just shy of five minutes off of Le Court's time.

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. 

"With Fifty Meters to Spare TdFF25-11" (Original art by Greig Leach)

Tour Femmes '25, A Tandem Celebration

Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Visma-Lease a Bike) had gotten away at the base of the final ascent of the Cote du Cadoudel and opened up a seemingly unsurmountable lead over the chasing peloton.  As she got to the last hundred meters it seemed that Kim Le Court (AG Insurance-Soudal) was about to get pass her, so her teammate Marianne Vos kicked in her afterburners to take the first stage of the Tour de France Femmes.  With her win, Vos pulls on the first Maillot Jaune.  She also claims the first Maillot Vert.  Naturally, Visma-Lease a Bike now leads the Team competition, too.

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. 

"A Tandem Celebration TdFF25-5" (Original art by Greig Leach)