Tour Down Under: From the Get Go

From the firing of the starting pistol, the final stage of the Tour Down Under was on.  Immediately Laurens De Vreese and Lieuwe Westra (Astana) jumped off the line at full speed.  Since the stage was going to be a 20 lap circuit on the downtown streets of Adelaide, the organizers dispensed with the usual neutral start.  As soon as pedals were spinning, it was time to race.  The Astana duo was quickly joined by Adam Phelan riding for the wild card Australian team, Drapac Professional Cycling.  Bridging across the going break were Carlos Verona (Etixx-Quickstep) and George Bennett (LottoNL Jumbo).  Etixx-Quickstep has had a surprisingly quiet Tour, I feel like this is the first time I have seen their new kit, certainly the first time I have painted it.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting created using watercolors from www.richesonart.com and 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.  In addition, be sure to check out my new book, "Art of Cycling: Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships" available now at www.artofcycling.bike.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20Down%20Under/2683058-94-194179/Painting.html#.VqU0e_krLIU

Tour de France, Stage 12: The First of Many

I always enjoy the opportunity to have the title of a piece of artwork to have more than one meaning.  Today, this title refers to this summit of the Col de Portet d'Aspet is the first of many big climbs for the stage, but it also makes reference to the simple fact that these are the first of many more competitors that will be passing this point over the next half hour.  And of course the final inference is that this is the first of many more paintings to come for both the stage and the rest of the Tour de France.  Georg Preidler (Giant Alpecin) was the first to summit closely followed by Jeremy Roy (FDJ), Lieuwe Westra (Astana).  The trio had jumped out of the rather large breakaway of another 19 riders.  With so many hard categorized climbs on the course, each and everyone of the escapees felt that today was the day that the peloton would let the break succeed.

This is an original small watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes that came from Jack Richeson & Company (www.richesonart.com), a small mid western family run art supply company with excellent art supplies.  This painting, along with all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.  Don't delay, it is a one of a kind original painting, so when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2581388---210122/Painting.html#.VahXnvlViko

Tour de France Stage 4: Riding Into Hell

Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) left the break away companions behind as they charged over the cobblestones, sucked in the rolling dust and endured the screaming fans on their way over the #6 section of pave.  By this point, the Tour de France was finally racing on French soil, even if some of it was now in the lungs of racers, mechanics and fans alike.  Notice that teams will station soigneurs along the sections of pave with wheels held aloft should their man have a mechanical.  The roads are so narrow that it can take minutes for the team car to get to a rider should he need assistance.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577808---210122/Painting.html#.VZyr2flViko

Tour de France Stage 4: On to the Pave

Stage 4 continued the Spring Classics theme with the peloton cross seven sections of pave that are used in "The Hell of the North" otherwise known as Paris-Roubaix.  These four went off from the drop of the Depart flag building up an eight minute advantage over the nervous peloton.  Perrig Quemeneur (Europcar) managed to get into the second break away in three days (his team has been represented in all three).  Joining Quemeneur were Lieuwe Westra (Astana), Arnaud Gerard (Bretagne Seche) and Thomas De Gendt (Lotto Soudal).  By the time the foursome reached the first section of pave the peloton was only 70 seconds behind them.

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, www.richesonart.com.  This painting, and all of my cycling art, is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting for only $60 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Remember it is an original painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202015/2577802---210122/Painting.html#.VZymWflViko

Tour Down Under Stage 1: Punching the Air

It was Jack Bobridge (UniSA-Australia) who managed to get the jump on his breakaway companions using a small little rise to launch his attack almost in the shadow of the sprint trains of the peloton.  With his win at the line, taking the first intermediate sprint and being the first over the only climb of the day, he will be pulling on at least three leader's jerseys on the podium this evening.  But it will be the Ochre Jersey of race leader on his back at the starting line for Stage 2 of the Tour Down Under.  Not bad for the hometown boy.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available for purchase (only $50 USD) 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 are enjoying the artwork on this blog (and the writings too) please check out my new book, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France"  You can find the book through most online stores throughout the world, just google the title to learn where you can get your copy.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20Down%20Under%202014/2499424---194179/Painting.html#.VL8PTk05DIU

Tour Down Under Stage 1: Getting Twitchy

Surprisingly, it appears that the peloton missed the formula that would catch the break away before the line.  Instead the four, that had gone from the very first kilometer of the stage were still away with less the 500 meters to the line.  The more experience Mazim Belkov (Katusha) and Lieuwe Westra (Astana) goofed, ending up on the front of the foursome, snapping their heads around trying to see which Aussie was going to jump first.  For his part, Jack Bobridge (UniSA-Australia) kept an close eye on the fast approaching peloton.  This game of high speed chess was watched from the back of the motorcycle of the neutral service vehicle, the duo ready to loan a wheel should anyone have a very poorly timed flat tire.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  If you would like to get this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

If you are enjoying this cycling art, you may be interested in checking out my new book, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France".  Google the title to find where you can get the book near you.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20Down%20Under%202014/2499420---194179/Painting.html#.VL8MNE05DIU

Tour Down Under Stage 1: At the Beginning

The Santos Tour Down Under and the 2015 ProTour Road Racing season is now underway.  Stage One was lit up from the drop of the flag with a three man break away that included, Lieuwe Westra (Astana), Maxim Belkov (Katusha) and Jack Bobridge (UniSA-Australia).  The trio was quickly joined by the Australian on the other Australian team, Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge).  The now quartet never build up more than a minute and a half on the peloton, so it looks to be a mass mad dash down to the finish line off of the only categorized climb of the day.  This is an original small (4"x6") watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition this painting and many other pieces of original cycling art 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 this appeals to you, be sure to take a look at my new book, "Book de Tour - Art of the 101st Tour de France" available world wide.  Just Google it to find out where you can buy a copy.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20Down%20Under%202014/2499294-31-30-194179/Painting.html#.VL7Ymk05DIU

Tour Stage 5: Not What Was Expected

Most everyone had predicted that Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) that he would not be wearing Yellow at the end of the day, even Nibali was claiming that would be the case to the press.  I have a suspicion that he may of been playing to the camera and planning something else entirely.  Instead of dropping off the pace, the Maillot Jaune went into the front group, caught the break away and with his teammates, Jakob Fuglsang and Lieuwe Westra drove the leading group of four away from all of his GC rivals.  I am sure that Lars Boom (Belkin Pro Cycling) couldn't believe his good fortune.  With Nibali primarily interested in gaining time on his rivals, Boom got a free ride that may well give him the stage victory.  You can see just how wet and muddy the roads were with the racing strip of road grit, water and mud that has sprayed up the backs of everyone's racing kit.  This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  These paintings and writings of the 101st Tour de France will be collect into my soon to be self published, "Book de Tour".  To learn more about the book project, pre-order your copy or discover how to get involved in bring this Tour to print please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/book-de-tour.  You will discover so great rewards for those who choose to back the project.  If you would like to purchase this painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Tour%20de%20France%202014/2399378---199992/Painting.html#.U73VBcvD_IU

Dauphine Stage 7: Absolutely Everything

Lieuwe Westra (Astana) has been in search of a stage win almost every day of the Dauphine.  Yesterday he was just nipped at the line by the superior sprint of Jan Bakelants (OPQS) much to the Dutchman's frustration.  He must have decided that he wasn't going to make the same mistake today.  He was distanced by the attacks of both Yury Trofimov (Katusha) and later Egor Silin (Katusha), but he didn't give up.  He kept riding as hard as he could, eventually catching the two Russians inside of the final kilometer.  It was obvious by the way that he just stopped, almost hitting the wall as he crossed the line, I am sure if there had not been a helper to grab him he would have fallen to the ground right there.  He had nothing left to even wave a victorious salute.  The race organizers were prepare for how exhausted the riders would be, they had arranged helpers to catch the riders as they crossed the line and to push them over the crest of the mountain.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting, 4 inches by 6 inches, 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. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2389638---199476/Painting.html#.U6b6WM_D_IU

Dauphine Stage 6: Joy & Sorrow

Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and Jan Bakelants (OPQS) got rid of their third fellow attacker, Pim Ligthart (Lotto-Belisol) so that they could get the stage win they were both so desperately seeking.  At about 1.2 K left to go the pair came to a virtual stand still, a track stand, each trying to get the other to make the first move.  It is much easier to win from the pack of the group than from the front.  From the back you have the element of surprise.  As to prove the point, Westra went first after the track stand, and Bakelants was able to get around him in the end to claim victory in Poisy, leaving Westra to clinch his fist in frustration.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting (4"x6') that could be yours through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2388056---199476/Painting.html#.U6OrRs_D_IU

Dauphine Stage 6: Cooling Off

Today's 178.5 kilometer stage from Grenoble to Poisy had its regular break away that include a total of 15 riders from 14 teams, with roughly 20 K to go these three, Lieuwe Westra (Astana), Pim Ligthart (Lotto-Belisol) and Jan Bakelants (OPQS), got away from the rest through the attack of Westra.  All three of these guys have been in a number of breaks thus far in the Dauphine, each hoping to bring glory to their teams and themselves.  Today was another rather warm day in eastern France, so after Westra had a drink from his bidon, he squirted water across his chest, on his head and onto the back of his next, all in an effort to beat the heat.  This is an original small watercolor and ink painting (4"x6") that could be yours through visiting my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2388044---199476/Painting.html#.U6Onc8_D_IU

Dauphine Stage 3: Holding Them All Off

After the second break was caught by the peloton, it was Liuewe Westra (Astana) turn to have a go at the stage win.  Westra is a very formidable time trialist and he managed to hold off the angry peloton for roughly two kilometers, finally succumbing to their will just short of the flame rouge that marks the final kilometer of the stage.  This is an original small 4"x6"watercolor and ink painting that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post. 

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Dauphine%202014/2387256---199476/.html#.U6I6RM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Going Home Alone

For most stages I make sure that I get the classic image of the stage winner crossing the finishing line with his arms raised in jubilant triumph.  However for the final stage to be raced in the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya I felt that Lieuwe Westra's (Astana) response to Voeckler's attack on this climb and his subsequent aggressive rides up the hill was where he actually won the final stage into Barcelona.  I have always marveled at how hard it must be to keep your concentration with hundreds of crazed cycling fans screaming at you as you are climbing at he very edge of your physical endurance and capabilities.  So with the final climb up, Westra secured his and his team's stage win.  However, his victory and the second place finish of Marcus Burghardt (BMC) and the third of Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) did nothing to change the final podium placings of the overall.  So today the overall goes to Roaquim Rodriquez (Katusha) with Alberto Contrador (Tinkoff Saxo) settling for second, even though he tried one last attack on this same climb, and third going to TeJay Van Garderen (BMC).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  So, chapeau to Rodriquez and Westra, and for all of those that competed.

Be sure to check back here for Paris Roubaiz in two weeks.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2338125---195767/Painting.html#.UzjtpM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Voeckler Goes, Westra Counters

Once they had shucked the other four of the break, it was time to start thinking about taking the stage.  Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) who has made a name for himself going on long breaks on some steep climbs, was the first to attack his fellows.  He had seen that Marcus Burghardt (BMC) was weak on the climbs and strong on the flats, he also knew that Lieuwe Westra (Astana) is a two time Dutch Time Trial Champion and had already proved earlier that he is on good form in this Volta.  He was successful in getting a gap, but then as they crested the steep climb, Westra countered his move and no one was able to catch his wheel, not then or until he had come to a stop after crossing the finish line.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can 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%202014/2338113---195767/Painting.html#.UzjnyM_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Final Stage: Losing the Dead Wood

The original break consisted of nine riders, not all of whom were or possible could continue to contribute to the success of the break, so Marcus Burghardt (BMC) was the first to attack the break hoping to shed himself of the passengers and weaker riders.  The aggressiveness of his attack was covered by Marciej Paterski (CCC-Polstat Polkowice), Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and Cedric Pineau (FDJ).  Moments later, as they started up the climb, Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) bridged across, leaving the other four that included the winner of Stage 6, Stef Clement (Belkin Pro Cycling).  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  For this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2338111---195767/Painting.html#.Uzjjc8_D_IU

Volta Catalunya Stage 5: Do I Have a Gap?

As expect, the attacks did come on the final climb, first from Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin Sharp) quickly followed by Lieuwe Westra (Astana) and it was his attack that looked like it had the staying power.  He might have had a chance had, Alberto Contrador (Tinkoff-Saxo) sitting second overall, hadn't decided to lay down an attack.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that can be yours by being the first to visit my artist website at www.greigleach.com, for this painting follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Spring%20Classics%202014/2337083---195767/Painting.html#.UzYhss_D_IU

Paris-Nice Stage 7: Slipping Off the Front

Rather than leaving the early break out to fry, today they caught the seven member break too early setting up the opportunity for a flurry of attacks within the final 20 K of the stage.  This is Lieuwe Westra (Astana), Cyril Lemoine (Cofidis) and Guillou (Team Bretagne) trying to get away for the stage victory.  The other story being told is off the French Gendarme who travel with the race closing the roads, dealing with the sometimes unruly crowds and warning the cyclist of dangers in the road way.  They stand in front of the charging peloton waving a small yellow pennant with their backs against the traffic islands or construction zones along the race course.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that could by yours by visiting my artist website, 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%202014/2328815---195767/Painting.html#.UyUtxM_D_IU

Paris-Nice Stage 7: Looking Them Over

With several big climbs in the middle of Stage 7, a group of 7 riders got out in front of the peloton, continuing the near perfect matching of numbers in the break to the number of the stage.  When a group is working together they will create a pace line, where the first guy in line breaks the wind for a while then swings off the front and goes to the back of the line.  Once in the back the rider has a chance to catch his breath while the next rider breaks the wind.  Due to the slip stream created as the wind slips around the leader the second rider uses as much as 50% less effort than the guy with his nose in the wind.  Lieuwe Westra (Astana) looks over his shoulder to find where he will be slotting in when he gets to the back.  It is also a good chance to get a look at his fellow breakaway members to assess their remaining strength.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard created using Yarka St. Petersburg cake watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes both from Jack Richeson Company, Inc. (www.richesonart.com).  Also, this work is available for purchase from my artist website, 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%202014/2328811---195767/Painting.html#.UyUn3c_D_IU