Giro, Stage 17: Tangling at the Back

I had meant to call this piece, "Dangling at the Back," but clearly that isn't what I wrote.  I was going to try and correct it, but then thought that Tangling is what is actually going on here.  Today was the 17th stage and was perhaps the fastest stage (and Giro) yet.  At the back of the peloton a little bit of an argument of gestures was going on between Brendan Canty (EF Education First) and Markel Irizar (Trek-Segafredo).  Canty seems to be trying to get Irizar to take the dimishing wheels of the peloton, rather than taking a pull himself.  Behind, Vasil Kiryienka (Sky) was just off the back.  Not a place I am used to seeing the strong, unrelenting Belarussian.  I had the pleasure of watching Kiryienka take the Time Trial World Champion's jersey in Richmond, Virginia in 2015. 

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/3167320-68-249297/PaintingTangling-at-the-Back--G18-73.html

Tour, Stage 4: Fair Warning

It is a pun, get it?  The gendarme is warning the break away of the dangerous piece of "traffic furniture" in the middle of the road.  Already, one of these traffic islands has damaged the hopes of one of the main GC riders, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff).  After the break and the peloton are safely pass this obstacle, the gendarme will jump back on his motorcycle, work is way back to the front of the race and find the next hazard on the road.  There has been difficulties with motorcycles speeding through the peloton, but never with one of those of the Gendarmerie.  I am sure all of the racers appreciate the waving yellow flag and blowing whistle that helps to keep them safe on the road.  The four escapees still include, Oliver Naesen (IAM Cycling) who will come away with the most aggressive rider award on the day, Markel Irizar (Trek-Segafredo), Alexis Gougeard (Ag2r La Mondiale) and Andreas Shillinger (Bora-Argon 18).

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.

Buy this painting here:  http://www.greigleach.com/large-multi-view/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2818699-24-224974/PaintingFair%20Warning%20TdF24-Greig-Leach.html#.V3v7c7grLIU

Tour, Stage 4: Ahead of the Train

This painting's title continues my play on words.  This break away managed to reach the railroad crossing ahead of the train, and of course they are about six minutes ahead of the peloton (or the train of bikes behind).  The foursome of Alexis Gougeard (Ag2r La Mondiale), Markel Irizar (Trek-Segafredo), Andreas Shillinger (Bora Argon 18) and Oliver Naesen (IAM Cycling) took the longest to make their escape from the peloton, not getting away until almost 20 kilometers into the longest stage of this year's Tour.  Their have been races, most notably the fabled Paris Roubaix, when the break has had to wait for a train to cross the road unfortunately losing any time advantage they had built up prior.  Today it was just a few bumps and off they went again.

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/Tour%20de%20France%202016/2818675-22-224974/PaintingAhead%20of%20the%20Train%20TdF22-Greig-Leach.html#.V3v2krgrLIU