Tour '22, Stage 18: Climbing Virtually & Literally

The title is a bit of a play on the difference of literally and figuratively, something that bugs me when people say literally when they are actually using a metaphor, or a figure of speech.  I digress.  Louis Meintjes (Intermache-Wanty Gobert) while climbing the Col de Spandelles was climbing the virtual standings of the general classification during the stage.  Meaning if the race were to be stopped now, he would have moved up to third overall.  It has happened in the Tour, two years ago and it pulled the Maillot Jaune off of Julian Alaphilippe.  Meintjes was joined in the effort by Chris Hamilton (DSM) and Luis Leon Sanchez (Bahrain-Victorious).  I'm not sure if Sanchez was going forward with them, or he was dropping back from the lead group and was trying to get on Hamilton's wheel.  This is the first time the Tour has used the climb of the Col de Spandelles and it would have its say on the Tour (more 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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available. 

If you can't afford to purchase a piece you could always help keep me going by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/greigsartc.  And check out my vlogs at my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGX-TnjXDSkkOidUE6pN1g

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3895192-114-294403/Painting/climbing-virtually-literally-tdf22-115.html

Tour '22, Stage 14: Three Away

Michael Matthews (BikeExchange-Jayco) was joined by three others, yet one had an ill timed flat tire.  With under fifteen kilometers to race the threesome that included Matthews as well as Luis Leon Sanchez (Bahrain-Victorious) and the Austrian champion Felix Grosschartner (Bora-Hansgrohe).  They had 41 seconds on those behind.  It was looking good but they did have a steep climb up to the finish through the town of Mende.  The climb may allow those behind to bridge up to this trio.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3894003-87-294403/Painting/three-away-tdf22-88.html

Tour '22, Stage 10: Two More Coming

The final kilometers up to the Altiport of Megeve saw attack after attack going from the dwindling break away.  With two kilometers to race, Luis Leon Sanchez (Bahrain-Victorious) couldn't have been pleased to see Nick Schultz (BikeExchange-Jayco) coming up the rise towards him with the American Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar) on the Australian's wheel.  Sanchez had been off the front alone and I'm sure he was entertaining thoughts of a stage win in this Tour.  I think he has one several Grand Tour stages in the past.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3893280-59-294403/Painting/two-more-coming-tdf22-58.html

Tour '22, Stage 9: Making Sure

The day started with an early break that was clear over the first climb.  However there was a sprint point, before the big mountains rose up ahead of the peloton today.  So never wanting to leave points on the table, Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) got himself across to the leading group.  As the twenty-some riders approached the intermediate sprint in Semsales, it looked like Luis Leon Sanchez (Bahrain-Victorious) was thinking about going for the maximum points on offer.  A few quick, perhaps choice, words from Van Aert, about not trying to outsprint him and Sanchez eased up so the Belgium could add to his lead in the Maillot Vert.  The way it is going, it is going to take some very bad luck for Van Aert not to carry the Green Jersey all of the way to Paris.  On his wheel, the current German Champion, Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) knew better than poke the bear in this sprint.  He just contended himself with using Van Aert's draft to power along the break away.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $90 USD including shipping, and yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France--Tour-de-France-Femmes-2022/3892895-46-294403/Painting/making-sure-tdf22-46.html

Liege Bastogne Liege '22: All Day

It seems every time the camera cut to the front of the peloton there was Luis Leon Sanchez (Bahrain Victorious) was out there setting the pace.  He was dropped on the previous climb, but was soon back through the peloton and on the front for his team yet again.  Sanchez is yet another veteran in this peloton starting the day at 38 years old.  With this much time out in the wind it seems clear that his team has someone else in mind for victory when they return to Liege.

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 painting was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 USD plus shipping, and yes international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Spring-Classics-/3881092-503-195767/Painting/all-day-lbl22-3.html

Tour, Stage 12: What Are You Saying?

Again, I don't know what the conversation was about, but it could well have been about setting a pace that would keep them away from the peloton but would also keep them all together.  The other possibility was that Nils Politt (Israel Start Up Nation) was voicing his annoyance with the work that Luis Leon Sanchez (Movistar) was doing.  Behind them, it seems that Imanol Erviti (Movistar) was listening in, question is, what language are they using.  Lagging a bit behind and starting to fade from the long effort of the longest day of the Tour was Matthieu Burgaudeau (Total Direct Energie).  While you can barely see him, Kasper Asgreen (Deceuninck-Quick Step) is still tucked into this break.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3698086-73-282744/Painting/what-are-you-saying-tdf20-67.html

Tour, Stage 10: Bridging Back

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist the title of this painting, I think I actually laughed out loud when I thougt of it.  As the peloton went over the bridge onto the Ile de Re, Miquel Angel Lopez (Astana) was off the back on the rise up to the high point of both the bridge and the stage.  He was being pulled pack by three teammates but, alas, I could only identify Luis Leon Sanchez because of his Spanish National Champion's jersey.  They must have been very close to rejoining because the race director's car is just behind them, and they are passing the Mavic neutral service vehicle that is usually just behind the last member of the peloton.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3696547-65-282744/Painting/bridging-back-tdf20-60.html

Tour, Stage 9: Commiserating

As the group of GC contenders hit the final climb, the Col de Marie Blanque, the pace became brutal. Riders began losing the wheels from the bottom of the slope.  As they slide away, Alberto Bettiol (EF Pro Cycling) and the Spanish Champion, Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) had time to commiserate about the toughness of the effort.  Just ahead, bedecked in the red of the National Champion of Switzerland, Sebastien Riechenbach (Groupama-FDJ) was starting to yo-yo off the back just ahead of the Director's car and the Mavic neutral service car.  Both Sanchez's and Reichenbach's National Champion jerseys are examples of teams honoring the national flags and not adding them as a side note to the team kit.  Primoz Roglic's jersey is an example of how not to do it.  You can't even find the Slovenian flag on his kit.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-de-France-2020/3693434-56-282744/Painting/commiserating-tdf20-51.html

Tour, Stage 6: Hand Sling

Pulling a page from the track cycling handbook, Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) reached back to give a hand sling to the Swiss Champion, Sebastien Reichenbach (Groupama-FDJ).  Since Sanchez was dropping off of the peloton on the way up the Col des Croix, he thought he would literally give a hand to Reichenbach's attempts to rejoin those up the road.  It is exceptable for riders to aid each other this way, put not a team car or a teammate giving a sustained push up the climb.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

Be sure to check out my daily videos on You Tube

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202019/3358787-29-263530/Hand%20Sling%20%20TDF19-29.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 3: Well Done

As they crossed the line, separated by only the length of Peter Sagan's (Bora-Hansgrohe) wheel, it was Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) who was the first of many to shake the former world champion's hand.  Sanchez had gone early, chasing first Michael Woods (EF Education First) and then Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott), perhaps that is why he didn't quite have the legs to hold off Sagan.  Impey took third, being beat by Sagan for the second year running at the line in Uraidla.

Sagan's win wasn't quite enough to unseat Paddy Bevin (CCC) from the lead, but he now sits just one second behind New Zealander, with Sanchez in third and Impey (the defending champion) in fifth just eleven seconds back.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3285591-129-194179/PaintingWell-Done--TDU19-11.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 3: Digging Deep

With just two kilometers to race and less than 500 meters to climb, the attacks were bound to come.  It was Michael Woods (EF Education First) who went first hatching the final phase of the team's plan for the stage.  Woods was covered by the ever present Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) with the rest of the peloton desparate to hold onto the Canadian's wheel.  With a bit of climbing and a quick one kilometer descent, it was going to be hard to get around whomever went over the top first.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

https://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour-Down-Under/3285583-128-194179/PaintingDigging-Deep--TDU19-10.html

Giro, Stage 19: Climbing Alone

Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) has been riding an agressive Giro, and today's Queen Stage was no exception.  Sanchez had jumped free of the breakaway on the ascent of the Colle del Finestrie, followed only by the Shimano neutral service vehicle.  Suddenly he sat up, stretched out his back and legs and started soft pedaling.  He apparently had been told to wait for his team leader, Miguel Angel Lopez who was struggling a bit on the early slopes of the Cima Coppi.  Given the way he was riding, he seemed a shame to pull the Spaniard back when the team has yet to win a stage in the 101st Giro d'Italia.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3168812-77-249297/PaintingClimbing-Alone--G18-82.html

Giro, Stage 17: I Think We're Done

The last two left from the only break that succeed (slightly) were Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC).  Both have been animators of the Giro over the second week of the race, and they don't seem to be letting up.  However, they are certainly surrendering to the power of the peloton and the desire of the sprinters to have their day.  At this point there was only 11 seconds between the duo and the peloton and still another 12 kilometers left to go.  The odds were clearly not in their favor.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167327-70-249297/PaintingI-Think-We're-Done--G18-75.html

Giro, Stage 17: When Legs Are Faster

There are times when the light agile racing bikes can do a better job of handling tight corners than the larger and heavy motorbikes that escort the race around Italy.  Long ago, I got to discover just how much faster a bicycle could whip through traffic when I was a bike courier in DC.  Today as they worked their through small town on their way towards Iseo, the break away caught a group of motos.  Fortunately the foursome of Alessandro De Marchi (BMC), Wout Poels (Sky), Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Ben Hermans (Israel Cycling Academy) were able to stay upright.  I am sure De Marchi had a few choice words for the driver who's actions almost brought the Italian to grief.  There have been some horrible wrecks between motos and racers, I sure hope that we don't see one again anytime soon. 

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3167325-69-249297/PaintingWhen-Legs-Are-Faster-G18-74.html

Giro, Stage 11: At the Top

The early break, formed much later than usual, finally got a large gap.  The group comprised of the early duo of Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC) along with the joining trio of Alex Turrin (Wilier Triestina), Andrea Guardini (Bardini CSF) and Fausta Masnada (Androni Giocattoli), are about to ride over the top of the Valico de Pietra Rosso.  Just over the climb, won by Fausta Masnada, was one of the many tunnels thoughout the mountains of Italy.  Androni Giocattoli has continued to get a rider in every single break of this Giro, certainly paying back their wild card invitation.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3164930-50-249297/PaintingAt-the-Top--G18-50.html

Giro, Stage 11: Trying to Get Established

Attack after attack for 25 kilometers and yet the early break away hadn't yet formed,  But it does look like this powerful dual of Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Alessandro De Marchi (BMC).  Behind the early animator of the stage, Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) was trying to join up with the leaders.  Alas, despite all of his earlier efforts (or because of them) he just couldn't make the jump.  The repeative attacks had set a blisteing pace for the first 25 kilometers of just over 50 kph.  This was setting the stage for the fastest stage of the Giro the day after the longest stage.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available though my website at www.greigleach.com, or you can simply follow the direct link at the end of this post.  Since it is an original it is first come first served.  The painting was created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. The work sells for $75 plus shipping. And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/101st-Giro-dItalia/3164923-48-249297/PaintingTrying-to-Get-Established--G18-48.html

Tour Down Under, Stage 4: Superman

Few will argue that Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) is a super man when it comes to cycling.  Sagan had gone on the attack on the descent with about three kilometers left to go.  He was pulled back by several different teams including BMC, Astana and Mitchelton-Scott.  Not to be deterred, he caught his breath, took a drink and got ready to go again.  Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) launched his sprint first, but was caught by the three time UCI Road World Champion.  Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) rounded out the top three.  It was  Sagan's teammate, Jay McCarthy claiming fifth on the day.  Sagan's sprint was enough to put him in the Ochre Jersey of race leader by just two seconds over Impey.

I was amused to notice that I had forgot to sign and title this piece.  When I painted the Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, live in downtown Richmond, I had gotten caught up in the moment of Sagan's win and not signed his victory salute painting.  So it is fitting that I didn't sign his first win of the 2018 Pro Tour season calender.

This is a small 4x6 inch original watercolor painting that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com created using Yarka St Petersburg watercolors from Richesonart.com. To purchase this artwork, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

My website is down for matainence, so I will post links later.  In the mean time, if you really want this painting, just email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro, Stage 19: Counter Move

No sooner had the break put Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac) back into its number than it was Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Rudy Molard's (FDJ) turn to make a counter move.  The duo went as they reached the 15 kilometers left to go banner.  With a big climb ahead, and the peloton very far behind, it is highly likely that whoever gets away from the group will win the stage.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2973473-129-235247/PaintingCounter-Move-G17-137.html

Giro, Stage 15: Joining the Party

As the leaders on the road past the 30 kilometer banner, the original leaders were joined by Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) and Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Drapac).  With the addition of the two new men, the break began to open up a bit larger gap on the peloton behind.  They were further aided by a reduction in speed by the peloton.  On the previous descent, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) had crashed. As is often the case in professional cycling, the maglia rosa of Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) slowed the pace of the peloton to led the Colombian back onto the back of the group before resuming full speed racing.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

With the racing of the 100th Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in helping this book get made, please consider backing the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included. With Kickstarter, if there is not a 100% funded, no one is charged a dime, and the project recieves 0% funding.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2970708-97-235247/PaintingJoining-the-Party-G17-105.html

Giro, Stage 10: Making a Pass

Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.  Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) picked up where he left off from the last two stages.  While today was not a road stage, Sanchez was still burning up the road, today against the clock.  He was able to catch his two minute man, the American Chad Haga (Team Sunweb), and at least the man ahead of Haga as well.  Sanchez had the best time when he crossed the line, but given his position in the start list, he would have to wait awhile to see if he would take the day.

This is a small watercolors and ink painting measuring just 4"x6" and was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  This painting and all of my Olympics artwork will be 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.  It is only $75 USD and international shipping is available.

With the start of the Giro d'Italia, I am crowd funding my third cycling art book through Kickstarter.  I could use your support in making this book get made, please consider supporting the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1335072134/art-of-cycling-100th-giro-ditalia.  This will be just one of the hundred plus paintings that will be included.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/100th-Giro-dItalia/2967443-66-235247/PaintingMaking-a-Pass-G17-67.html