Dauphine, Stage 3: One Climb too Many

The final climb of the day saw the peloton driving hard at the front, most likely to shuck the sprinters and their lead out trains.  Apparently, it was working.  One of those to drop off the back (he was hardly alone) was Kris Boeckmans (Lotto Soudal).  I have had the honor of being commissioned to paint Boeckmans winning in Belgium, so I felt I should show the other side of racing.  Chapeau, Kris, on your recovery!

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.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Criterium%20du%20Dauphine/2804803-53-185083/Painting.html#.V1hiCZErLIU

One, Two: A Commissioned Piece of Cycling Art

This is another time when I get to geek out about how my cycling art is reaching out to the pro peloton and the world wide cycling community.  This painting was done as a commission for the Belgium rider, Kris Boeckmans (Lotto Soudal), winning a stage of the Tour de Picardie.  Kris has reached out to me on twitter (www.twitter.com/artofcycling).  This is the second image that he has a commissioned of him winning a race.  I am truly honored that these hard men in spandex actually enjoy and treasure my paintings.  I so enjoy what they are capable of doing.  I love to ride and long ago tried my hand at amateur racing.  I wasn't bad, but I know that I am a much better at making art  than I ever was a competitive cycling.  I think I will stick to club rides and painting that fast men doing what I could only dream of doing.

If you would like to commission a work for yourself.  Email me at greigsart@gmail.com and we can discuss the image, the size and the cost.  International shipping is available.

Asked by a member of Lotto Soudal

Some days Twitter can provide rather exciting surprises.  I was going about daily chores when I got a message from Kris Boeckmans with two paintings attached.  Seems he wanted a painting of his most recent race victory in Nokere Koerse on the cobbles of Belgium.  If you would like me to paint your most recent race (or something from you deep past on the bike), please get in touch through my artist website at www.greigleach.com

You can follow me on Twitter,@artofcyclingand on Facebook, www.facebook.com/Greigsart  You can message me through either one of those platforms as well.

Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne: Slipping Away

If you are confident that you can beat the sprinters at their own game, the only option is to try and go for a solo (or group) breakaway.  To quote the recently retired Jens Voigt, "Going in the break you may only have a 10% chance of winning the stage, but if you don't, you have a 0% percent chance." With the likes of Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quickstep) in the peloton, and he made the split, the only choice for Kris Boeckmans (Lotto Soudal) was to go for the long solo to the line.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is 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.  If you enjoy reading about cycling with this accompanying artwork, be sure to discover my recently publish book on the Tour de France, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"  It is available worldwide through most online book retailers.  Just google the title to discover where you can get your copy, often without international shipping charges.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2519532---195767/Painting.html#.VPSlb_nF-xU

Dauphine Stage 3: The Throw for the Line

The final sprint between Kris Boeckmans (Lotto-Belisol) and Nikias Arnot (Giant Shimano) was so close that I nor the commentators could figure out who had taken the stage.  The only clue was Boeckmans pounding his handlebars after crossing the line.  It wasn't until the photo finish was shown that it was apparent that Arnot had managed to just hold off the charging Belguim.  I do mean just, the photo showed the margin of victory was the width (technically the height) of a racing tire.  Giant Shimano also picked up third on the stage, and FDJ could only manage seventh for Arnaud Demare.  Perhaps they had put too much energy into the chase to have the legs for the lead out at the end.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Do hurry, the is only $50 USD and I ship anywhere in the world for roughly $2 USD.  Good luck.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2387280---199476/Painting.html#.U6I7rs_D_IU

Paris-Nice Stage 2: Splits Are Starting to Form

Another hard day in the saddle with small crashes, flat open roads and some stiff cross wins.  This group is just slipping off of the back of the peloton that is storming after the two-man break.  Moments later, Taylor Phinney (BMC) decided he was having none of it and jumped out of this group to successful chase down the back of the disappearing peloton.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could be yours by visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com or you could just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2325483---195767/Painting.html#.Ux5kAs_D_IU