Giro, Stage 9: Attacking at the Snow LIne

With everyone reeled back in, it was time for the general classification guys to fight it out amongst the snow banks.  Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) and Domenico Pozzovivo (Bahrain Merida) kept trading blows on the final kilometers of the Gran Sasso d'Italia.  The Maglia Blanco of Richard Carapaz (Movistar) attempts to keep pace with the accelerations, with others biding their time, or just trying to hang on.

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/3162402-40-249297/PaintingAttacking-at-the-Snow-Line--G18-40.html

Giro, Stage 8: Sprinting Up the Mountain

It was truly a marvel to see the speed with which Richard Carapz (Movistar) sprinted out of the pack and up the Montevergine di Mercogliano!  He had taken over the Maglia Blanco of best young rider on the climb up Mount Etna in stage 6.  Today, he added a stage victory (the first victory in a grand tour in his young career).  While others had trouble with both the climb and the rain, neither seemed to phase the Ecuadorian on the Spanish team.  He is now the first Ecuadorian to ride in a grand tour, to wear a leader's jersey and to win a stage in a grand tour.  I am sure we haven't seen the last of this young man.

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/3162094-35-249297/PaintingSprinting-Up-the-Mountain--G18-35.html

Giro, Stage 6: All Who Matter

This vastly reduced peloton was chasing the even more drastically reduced break away up the final kilometers of the Etna climb.  At this point all of the big names (and GC contenders) were still together, including the Maglia Blanco of Maximilian Schachman (Quick Step), my hometown boy, Ben King (Dimension Data), the Maglia Rosa of Rohan Dennis (BMC) and Fabio Aru (UAE Team Emirates) in his Italian National Champion jersey.  The big M is on the back of Richard Carapaz (Movistar).  The others who are odds on favorites are leading this group, but not really readable in this painting.

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/3161026-28-249297/PaintingAll-Who-Matter--G18-28.html

Giro, Stage 15: Winning Again

It was the young Bob Jungels (Quickstep) who flung his arms wide in Bergamo.  Jungels had taken the Maglia Rosa win his teammate Fernando Gaviria won the stage early in this Giro and wore the it for at least five days.  He is now wearing the Maglia Blanco of best young rider, and increased his lead in that competition with this win.  Quickstep is having a stellar Giro having held most of the jersey and now they have five stage wins as well.  Surprisingly, it was Nairo Quintana (Movistar) sprinting for second and a six second time bonus.  He was followed by Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) and Adam Yates (Orica-Scott).  Tom Dumoulin (Team Sunweb) came in with the same time as the winners ensuring that his Maglia Rosa will be firmly on his shoulders.

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/2970726-101-235247/PaintingWinning-Again-G17-109.html

Giro Stage 20: Best Young Rider

Fabio Aru (Astana) claim his second stage victory in a row, in so doing, he also claimed the fourth mountain top finish for his team.  He also solidified his second place standing on the General Classification, and his Maglia Blanco has never been in doubt, Fabio Fellini (Trek Factory Racing) who holds second place in the young rider competition is over forty five minutes behind this young Italian.  Aru pulled back over two minutes on the Maglia Rosa of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo), but the Spaniard knew exactly what his cushion was and seemed to hold back from the all out defense of Pink.  Aru's teammate, Mikel Landa, who had often sacrificed himself for Aru's benefit, earned the final Maglia Azzurro for his efforts on the day.  The young Italian certain has given his countrymen something to cheer about in their home Tour.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com.  In addition, this painting is available for purchase from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  But be advised, this is a one of a kind painting, so don't delay, when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2561510---184157/Painting.html#.VWq0UM9Viko

Giro Stage 19: Fighting for the Stage

Surprisingly, it was Fabio Aru (Astana) that was able to go with the quickly escaping Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin).  Equally unsuspected was Mikel Landa (Astana), Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) and Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) who couldn't respond (or chose not to) to the duo's assault on the final climb of the day.  Aru's counter attack shucked the lanky Canadian from his wheel and go on to claim his first stage in the 98th Giro d'Italia.  The victory had to sooth some of the bruising had taken over the last couple of days.  I'm sure it left in no doubt who the rightful team leader should be on the Kazakhstani team.  For his part, Hesjedal moved himself further up the standings, but had to accept second place on the stage.  He can celebrate moving from 9th overall up to 7th even if he didn't get to raise his arms in victory at the line in Cervinia.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 19: He's the First to Attack

Once the elite of the 98th Giro d'Italia had put Giovanni Visconti (Movistar) and Pavel Kochetkov (Katusha) back into the peloton (and right back out the other end), those on the business end of affairs knew that there was a stage victory for the one who could get away.  Ryder Hesjedal (Cannondale Garmin) has just been getting stronger and stronger as the Giro nears its final stage.  With about 10 kilometer to the summit and the finish line on the day, he was the first to jump away from the those on the top of the leader board.  Hesjedal was in the position to move further up the GC himself since the man ahead of him by seven seconds was already over a minute behind this talent group.  The first to try and counter the Canadian's move was the Maglia Rosa himself, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo).  Once Contador chased, Mikel Landa and his teammate, Fabio Aru (Astana) along with the Maglia Azurro, Steven Kruijswijk (LottoNL Jumbo) had to jump onto the Spaniard's wheel.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company.  They are a small family run art supply company out of Wisconsin with really great art products.  You can learn more about them at www.richesonart.com.  This painting is also available through my artist website for only $50 USD, plus shipping.  The website is www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

Apparently, my website has decided it doesn't want to share my paintings today.  If you are interested in purchasing the painting, please email me at greigsart@gmail.com.

Giro Stage 18: Not Enjoying Their Own Medicine

Tinkoff Saxo and Alberto Contador got the opportunity to exact revenge on the pale blue boys of Team Astana today.  Try as they might, Tanel Kangert, Fabio Aru and Mikel Landa were unable to chase back onto the wheel of the Maglia Rosa.  It was a bit curious that Astana's Director Sportif called back Landa, to help assist Aru's chase.  With Landa starting the day 50 seconds ahead of his teammate, and obviously climbing better that the Italian in the Maglia Blanco, it seems that Astana's valuable asset should have been put to the aide of the man who had given the team two stage victories thus far.  I'm sure there were factors that I am unaware of, but the strategy left all three Astana riders losing time to Contador although Kangert is well out of the classification chase.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from www.richesonart.com,  They are a lovely family run art supply business with some really fine products.  This painting is available for purchase through 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/Giro%20d%20Italia/2560836---184157/Painting.html#.VWfbQM_BzGc

Giro Stage 16: With Authority

First, I can't believe that BeIn Sports went to commercial just as Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) caught up to the Astana duo of Fabio Aru and Mikel Landa!  Who thought that was a good idea.  So I have know idea if the Maglia Rosa said anything about the attack in the valley.  But I do know that the Spaniard let his legs do the talking.  He didn't even slow when he caught his quarry.  Prior to Contador's arrival, Landa had obviously been holding back to keep his team leader on his wheel.  Aru was suffering.  As was Yury Trofimov (Katusha), it was his GC placement that set first Katusha on the offensive and prompt Astana to chase across the valley, so Contador had no interest in letting any of these guys catch his wheel.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  The 4"x6" painting is available from my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To purchase this particular art work for $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  And yes, international shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2559988---184157/Painting.html#.VWUQ8_lViko

Giro Stage 9: Another Dig

Just as the commentators for BeIn Sports USA were saying that they doubted anyone of the GC guys would attack, Fabio Aru (Astana) launched the first salvo in the effort to gain seconds on Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo).  Contador himself cover the attack with Aru's teammate, Mikel Landa stuck to the Maglia Rosa's wheel.  Richie Porte (Team Sky) was caught out at first but quickly latched on to the wheels of the climbing trio.  One GC man who wasn't able to match the accelerations was the two time Giro runner up, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep).  Aru started the day just 4 seconds off of the lead and has been trying to close that gap before the individual time trial at the end of the week.

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 is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com.  To buy this particular painting for only $50 USD, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.  International shipping is available.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2555488---184157/Painting.html#.VVkHMSFViko

Giro Stage 8: Driving the Pace

Fabio Aru (Astana), wearing the Maglia Blanco of the best placed young rider, put his team on the front of the greatly reduced peloton is hopes of trading his White Jersey for a Pink one.  With six kilometers left to the summit finish, Astana had already rid the peloton of most of Richie Porte's (Sky) team along with the teams of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo) and Rigoberto Uran (Etixx Quickstep.  Aru is only 4 seconds off of the lead, a margin that can be made up with time bonuses alone.  Uran, however is trailing the Spaniard by almost a minute and a half due to one bad day on the first hill top finish of the 98th Giro d'Italia.

This is a small original watercolor and ink painting that was created using Yarka St. Petersburg watercolors and Steve Quiller brushes from Jack Richeson and Company, www.richesonart.com.  They are a lovely small family run art supply company that has some of my favorite media.  The painting is also 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.  But don't delay, these are original one of a kind paintings and when it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d%20Italia/2555196-178-174-184157/Painting/Sports.html#.VVfs1yFViko

Giro d'Italia Stage 19: Parting a Sea of PInk

Fabio Aru (Astana), holding the Maglia Blanco for Nairo Quintana (Movistar) went out in hopes of moving up the General Classification with a great storming ride up the side of the mountain.  Being the best place Italian in the race, the tifosi lining the entire 26.8 kilometers of the climb screamed, danced, and ran with their man, encouraging his every pedals stoke to ever greater speeds.  Aru was in the Blanco even though Quintana is the best placed young rider, but it would be silly to wear two jersey at the same time.  It is stunning to watch the crowd part as their man rides up the mountain, so times not as quickly as they should.  It is questionable if those blocking the way cost more seconds than their encouragement gained.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard that is available for purchase through my artist website at www.greigleach.com for only $50 USD.  For this particular painting just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2372984---198213/Painting.html#.U4lSvMvD_IU

Giro d'Italia Stage 14: Attacking the Maglia Rosa

The only away to gain time on the Maglia Rosa is to attack on the climbs, that is just what the diminutive Italian, Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R) did.  This group is all of the GC hopefuls, along with Pozzovivo, the wearer of the Maglia Blanco, Rafal Majka (Tinkoff Saxo), the Maglia Rosa - Rigoberto Uran (OPQS), Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and just peeking around Quintana's shoulder, Cadel Evans (BMC).  One of the many great things about pro cycling is how close fans can get to their heroes, sometimes too close and they gain that access for free.  There are no stadiums, tickets or preferred seating along the roads of Italy.  This is an original watercolor and ink postcard (4"x6") that is available through my artist website at www.greigleach.com for only $50 (USD).  For this particular painting, just follow the direct link at the end of this post.

http://www.greigleach.com/large-view/Giro%20d'Italia%202014/2369376---198213/Painting.html#.U4GNRM_D_IU